Kenya Seeks Election Observers From EU for August 2027 Vote
Kenyan President William Ruto asked European Union envoys in Nairobi on Thursday to consult on an EU election observation mission for the August 2027 vote. He also sought help on debt reform, a money-laundering blacklist and funding for peacekeepers in Somalia.
Kenya seeks election observers from the European Union for its August 2027 general election, President William Ruto said on Thursday at State House in Nairobi. He also asked the bloc for help on debt reform, financial transparency and peacekeeping in Somalia.
Ruto was speaking at a meeting with heads of EU delegations to African countries. He said Kenya was ready to discuss arrangements for an observation mission in line with its laws.
"As we prepare for the August 2027 general election, we welcome consultations on an EU Election Observation Mission, consistent with our laws and procedures," Ruto said.
No date or size for a mission was given.
The president also asked European governments to help remove Kenya from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list and from the EU's list of high-risk countries. Both listings relate to shortcomings in tackling money laundering and terrorism financing. Ruto said Kenya had addressed 13 of the 21 shortcomings FATF identified and was working on the rest.
On debt, he urged European governments to back changes to the international financial system. High borrowing costs and mounting obligations, he argued, were holding back economic development across Africa. He called for more affordable financing, including concessional loans and investment arrangements that let African countries build infrastructure and industrialize without deepening their debt.
Somalia mission funding
Ruto sought extra EU money for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is facing financial and operational difficulties. He acknowledged the EU's additional €75 million ($87 million) contribution approved in April.
He also welcomed a separate €20 million ($23 million) commitment through the European Peace Facility to strengthen the Kenya Defence Forces.
Trade and 50 years of ties
The talks came as Kenya and the EU marked 50 years of diplomatic relations. Ruto said both sides had agreed to pursue a comprehensive strategic partnership covering trade, security and sustainable development.
"As Kenya marks 50 years of diplomatic relations with the EU, we have agreed to elevate our relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership anchored in multilateralism, international law, democratic governance and sustainable development," Ruto said in a statement.
He said the EU accounts for 21% of Kenya's global exports, making it the country's largest export market. Ruto called for more European investment in manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, energy and healthcare. He also urged the removal of trade barriers affecting Kenyan exporters, particularly smallholder farmers.
The partnership, he said, should deliver tangible benefits through investment, job creation and stronger institutions rather than stay limited to diplomatic agreements.
