President William Ruto held talks with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, in a meeting aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
Ruto met Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on April 22, 2026, in the Emirates, with discussions focusing on boosting cooperation in key sectors of the economy.
The visit comes at a time when Kenya has continued to condemn attacks on Gulf nations linked to Iran.
Sources familiar with the meeting said both leaders explored ways to deepen bilateral relations, with attention placed on renewable energy, technology, infrastructure development and investment opportunities.
The talks also highlighted the need for sustainable economic growth that benefits both countries.
According to those briefed on the discussions, the two sides emphasized maintaining momentum in existing partnerships while unlocking new opportunities in emerging global markets.
It was not immediately clear whether any binding agreements were signed. However, media in the UAE indicated the talks fall within the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two nations.
Kenya’s economic ties with the Gulf remain significant, particularly in energy supply.
Under a government-to-government arrangement, the country imports between 660,000 and 810,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products each month from the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting also comes amid growing investment interest from UAE-based companies.
Dubai-headquartered Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms is planning a multi-billion shilling investment in special economic zones and industrial parks in Kenya, including projects along the coast and in Naivasha.
In the agriculture sector, Al Dahra Group is spearheading the development of 180,000 acres under the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme.
The project includes the construction of a dam with a capacity of 306 million cubic metres, following a memorandum of understanding signed in early 2025.
Beyond trade and investment, regional security also featured in the talks. The leaders discussed the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has stretched for over five weeks.
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s position, condemning attacks on Gulf nations and expressing support for stability in the region.
“Violation of the UAE’s sovereignty, the set international laws, norms, and statutes which undermine regional peace and security,”said President William Ruto.
The UAE meeting came shortly after Ruto departed Kenya for a three-day visit to Italy, where he is seeking to establish a 2026-2029 action plan to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
