Saudi Arabia to push for more investments in Kenya

Saudi Arabia will use Kenya as a platform to broaden its forays into Africa.

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman has said Kenya is a pillar of stability and growth in Africa.

“We have to pay closer attention to it; it is a country with a future,” he said.

As a model country, the Crown Prince noted that Saudi Arabia was committed to pushing for more investments in Kenya.

He noted that particular focus will be paid on the renewable energy sector.

He spoke on Tuesday at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh where he held talks with President William Ruto.

President Ruto said Africa has made progress in economic growth, regional cooperation and democratisation.

However, he regretted that insecurity, violence and terrorism risk slugging the advancements.

“We must come up with a lasting solution to the conflicts in Africa if we are to progress further, said President Ruto.

He called for more cooperation from the globe to tame the crisis.

In particular, the President urged Saudi Arabia to step forward to make Africa more peaceful because of “our shared vision”.

“We have a long-standing tie, yet we have not explored it fully,” said Ruto.

On his side, the Crown Prince exuded confidence that Saudi Arabia will work with Kenya to spur regional stability.

“We definitely need security in East Africa and Red Sea. If Kenya is a success, then Africa is,” explained the Crown Prince.

Earlier, the two leaders attended the opening session of the Future Investment Initiative.

President insisted that the world can only grow and prosper when countries work together.

“That is how we can discover, navigate and expand new frontiers and markets.”

President Ruto also met the PepsiCo’s CEO for Africa, Middle East and South Asia Eugene Willemsen.

The two discussed approaches to advancing farming in Kenya to increase production.

“PepsiCo’s broadening of its portfolio will accelerate Kenya’s exploitation of irrigation-fed agriculture, expanding economic opportunities for our youth,” he said.