Italy signs extensive agreements with Kenya in communications, technology, and the economy.
Kenyan President's visit to Italy
Written by: Ayman Ragab
Kenyan President William Samui Ruto affirmed that his country attaches paramount importance to its partnership. strategy With Italy.
In a post on Facebook, he stressed that Kenya is committed to strengthening this cooperation to achieve tangible and long-term benefits for both countries.
Signing of 8 Memoranda of Understanding
He revealed that he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, and they witnessed the signing of eight memoranda of understanding to deepen cooperation between their two countries in key sectors.
He said some of these agreements include adapting to climate change Land ownership rights in arid regions, the rehabilitation of the Chirangani forest, and the Peace Project (PEACE) concerned with psychological empowerment and professional development.
Other agreements also cover the development of the leather sector, cooperation in information and communication technology with Infratel Italy, the transfer of convicted persons, defense cooperation, and a joint declaration on research and innovation.
Kenya's presidential palace announced on Sunday that President William Ruto had departed for Rome on an official visit to Italy, aimed at promoting key infrastructure and investment deals.
Reopening stalled dam projects
The visit focuses on the long-stalled Aror, Kimwarir and Itari dam projects in the Ilgio Marakwit and Nakuru districts, all of which were originally financed by Italian-backed commercial loans.
Work on the three dams was halted following allegations of corruption and legal disputes between Kenya and the Italian construction company CMC De Ravenna.
Work on the Itari Dam has also stopped at a completion rate of 27%, while no substantial construction work has been completed at the Aror and Kimwarir Dam sites despite billions of shillings being paid in advance.
The government later reached a settlement with CMC De Ravenna after the company withdrew its arbitration claim in The Hague.
Construction work on the Itari and Aror dams is scheduled to resume, but work on the Kimwarir dam is still delayed due to outstanding technical problems.
The Roto administration includes dam restoration as a pillar of irrigation in its national development agenda.
In his speech to parliament in November 2025, Ruto unveiled a plan to irrigate at least 2.5 million acres over seven years by building 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of very small dams across the country.
