President Ruto presides over the 63rd Mashujaa Day Celebrations
President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to expanding international trade, citing the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and ongoing negotiations for a broader trade agreement with the United States as key milestones in advancing the country’s economic diplomacy agenda.
President Ruto, made the remarks during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Tuesday, where he outlined the Government’s economic transformation priorities and progress made over the past four years.
The President said Kenya had secured continued access to the American market through the AGOA extension, alongside ongoing negotiations for a broader trade agreement with the United States. The engagement is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and expanding opportunities for Kenyan exports.
Kenya has also advanced economic partnerships with other key markets. The Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union entered into force in 2024, while a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates was signed in 2025. Kenya has also concluded negotiations with China to expand market access for agricultural produce.
President Ruto said that foreign direct investment had grown from US$1.5 billion in 2022 to US$3.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the country’s efforts to attract international capital and strengthen its position as a regional investment destination.
He noted that investments in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing would enhance Kenya’s productive capacity, improve connectivity and support the expansion of regional and international trade.
On domestic economic reforms, the President announced four proposed measures to ease the cost of living and expand economic opportunities. These include exempting workers earning KSh32,333 or less per month from Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax, exempting land transactions valued at KSh1 million or less from stamp duty, removing the 25 per cent import duty on mobile phones and expanding the National Internship Programme to benefit 50,000 young Kenyans from January 2027.
The proposed internship expansion will provide monthly stipends, with placements determined through a transparent, digital and merit-based system.
The President also set targets of creating two million digital jobs, one million overseas employment opportunities and two million jobs through affordable housing and related investments over the next three years. He cited progress under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, noting that more than 700,000 young people were receiving training, while 120,000 young entrepreneurs had received capital and mentorship.
On governance, President Ruto called for political competition anchored in ideas, policies and accountability, challenging leaders opposed to Government programmes to present practical alternatives, particularly in housing and healthcare.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who attended the celebrations as Chief Guest, called for stronger African cooperation, drawing parallels between the continent’s sporting achievements and its potential for shared prosperity.
“Our athletes have run side by side. Together, they have shown the world what Africa can achieve. We race as rivals; we build as partners,” Prime Minister Abiy said.
The celebrations honoured Kenya’s heroes and heroines while highlighting the Government’s development priorities, including economic transformation, job creation and the expansion of international partnerships to support national prosperity.