President William Ruto has urged Kenyans living in the Nordic region to take a more active role in supporting the country’s development by investing in key sectors and participating in ongoing economic transformation programmes.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with members of the Kenyan diaspora in Helsinki, Finland, the President said the government was implementing ambitious projects that are reshaping the country’s economic landscape and creating new opportunities for citizens.
He noted that despite criticism and negative perceptions surrounding some government initiatives, significant progress was being recorded in housing, infrastructure, digital transformation, and job creation.
Affordable Housing Programme Taking Shape
Ruto pointed to the Affordable Housing Programme as one of the government’s flagship achievements, saying it is transforming urban centres across the country while creating jobs and expanding access to decent housing.
According to the President, the government is currently constructing 300,000 affordable housing units, 180,000 student hostel beds, and 500 modern markets through funds mobilised under the Affordable Housing Fund.
“Our affordable housing programme is changing Kenya’s skyline across the breadth and length of the country,” he said.
The President also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade informal settlements, particularly in Nairobi, where large-scale housing developments are underway.
“In Kibera alone, we are constructing 10,000 units, and I am confident that we will completely eradicate the slum within the next seven years,” Ruto stated.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu listens to concerns and proposals from Kenyans residing in the Nordic region during the Helsinki town hall meeting.
Nordic Visit Focused on Trade, Technology and Investment
The President’s remarks came as he concluded a multi-country tour of Finland, Norway, and Belgium aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between Kenya and Europe.
In Belgium, Ruto said discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade and market access for Kenyan products.
In Norway, the government explored opportunities for cooperation in the maritime sector and sought insights into the management of sovereign wealth funds.
Meanwhile, in Finland, the focus shifted to technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence, areas that Kenya hopes will drive future economic growth.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi speaks to members of the Kenyan diaspora in the Nordic region during a town hall meeting in Helsinki, Finland.
Kenya Positions Itself as Africa’s Digital Gateway
During the Kenya-Finland Business Forum held at Nokia’s global headquarters, President Ruto encouraged Finnish investors to consider Kenya as a strategic entry point into the African market.
He cited Kenya’s youthful population, growing innovation ecosystem, regional connectivity, and expanding digital infrastructure as key advantages for international investors.
“For Finnish companies, Kenya is the strategic gateway to Africa — a young market, an innovative private sector, strong regional connectivity, a stable financial ecosystem, and a government deliberately investing in digital transformation,” he said.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb echoed the call for stronger commercial ties and encouraged business leaders from both countries to convert discussions into tangible partnerships and investment projects.
Diaspora Services Under Review
The President also responded to concerns raised by Kenyans living in the Nordic countries regarding access to consular services.
He revealed that the government was considering establishing a diplomatic mission in either Finland or Norway to better serve the growing Kenyan community in the region.
The move, he said, would improve access to government services and strengthen engagement between Kenya and its diaspora.
Kenya Calls for Global Cooperation
Ruto’s visit concluded with his participation in the prestigious Kultaranta Talks, Finland’s annual foreign and security policy forum.
Addressing global leaders and policymakers, the President called for greater international cooperation in addressing emerging global challenges.
“Kenya believes the answer to global uncertainty is not fragmentation but cooperation; not blocs but bridges, not exclusion but partnership,” he said.
His participation marked a historic milestone, making him the first African Head of State to address the high-level forum.
