Ruto Seeks UAE Support for Sh10 Trillion Infrastructure and Energy Projects

President William Ruto has asked the United Arab Emirates to support Kenya’s major infrastructure and energy development plans during talks with a delegation from Sharjah at State House in Nairobi.

The meeting, led by Abdulla Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, focused on proposals to expand Kenya’s energy generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts within seven years and to build 1,500 kilometres of dual carriageway. President Ruto also outlined plans to construct 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads, upgrade ports and airports, and develop 50 large dams through public–private partnerships. 

He said the projects are vital for improving irrigation, boosting agricultural productivity, and addressing the effects of climate change. Talks also covered potential collaboration in ICT, digital innovation, and the creative economy. Ruto said Kenya’s young population would play a central role in these ventures, positioning the country as a centre for technology-driven growth. 

He added that the partnership would enhance trade and investment under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Kenya and the UAE. In 2024, trade between the two countries reached $3.2 billion (KSh413.4 billion). Imports from the UAE, mainly petroleum and energy-related products, were valued at $2.5 billion, while Kenya exported $759 million worth of goods including minerals, meat, fruits, and flowers. 

The trade imbalance has underscored the need to diversify Kenya’s exports while attracting Gulf investment to finance development. The engagement with Sharjah follows Ruto’s earlier visit to Qatar, where he sought funding for the KSh200 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

The project aims to modernise Kenya’s main aviation hub and enhance its competitiveness. During the same visit, Ruto also secured commitments for 13,000 jobs for Kenyan workers and the opening of a Qatari visa centre to facilitate labour mobility.

These diplomatic efforts form part of a broader strategy to deepen Kenya’s economic ties with the Middle East.