Kenyan President visiting Oslo: Wants trade, not aid
Kenyan President William Ruto is currently on an official visit to Oslo. During his stay, he has delivered a clear message to Norwegian authorities and business leaders: Kenya wants to change its relationship with Norway and other Western countries.
The President emphasizes that traditional development aid is no longer the best way to cooperate. According to Ruto, aid has played out its role as the most important tool for development. He believes the time has come to look ahead and focus on new methods.
Instead of aid money, Kenya now wants more investment and increased trade between the countries. The President is looking for Norwegian companies that want to invest in the Kenyan market, especially in sectors such as renewable energy and technology.
The visit to Norway is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Kenya's economy through international partnerships. By facilitating business cooperation, Ruto hopes to create jobs and economic growth that can last for a long time.
It remains to be seen how Norwegian authorities will respond to the desire to restructure the cooperation. The discussion about the relationship between aid and business investment is topical, and the President's visit is now placing this subject at the top of the agenda in Oslo.