Kenya and Italy have significantly upgraded their bilateral ties, signing eight new agreements and adopting a comprehensive action plan to guide their partnership through 2029.

President William Ruto, who is on a three-day state visit to Rome, sealed the deals following high-level talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday. The newly adopted Italy-Kenya Action Plan 2026-2029 establishes a framework for deeper cooperation across a range of critical sectors, including trade, defence, information technology, climate action, tourism, and youth skills development.

The agreements mark a major step in strengthening relations under Italy’s flagship foreign policy initiative for Africa, the Mattei Plan. Speaking after the bilateral meeting, President Ruto confirmed the broad scope of the partnership, highlighting support for arid and semi-arid lands, the Cherangany forest restoration programme, peace and security training, and research and innovation.

Prime Minister Meloni echoed the sentiment, stating that Kenya is among the most dynamic economies, with growing Italian interest in its technology, industry, tourism, and agro-industry sectors. The two leaders also committed to enhancing political dialogue through regular high-level visits and strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums like the United Nations to address global challenges such as climate change and migration.

On the economic front, the new action plan aims to boost trade and investment flows by supporting private-sector partnerships. Key strategic sectors identified include infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. A particular focus will be on developing Kenya’s leather industry into a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive sector.

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of a major Kenya-Italy Business Forum in Rome, which was attended by over 200 Italian companies. The forum served as a crucial platform to unlock new opportunities and strengthen economic relations between the two nations.