Kenyan President William Ruto arrived in New York on September 22, 2026, ahead of his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ruto is scheduled to speak during the general debate in the afternoon, which will be Wednesday evening in Kenya. This year's assembly is expected to draw significant attention to global economic issues, with Ruto set to promote Kenya's push for increased investment in Africa and reforms to the global financial system.
President Ruto has used previous engagements at the UN General Assembly to advocate for greater investment in Africa, development of artificial intelligence, and changes to global financial structures. He is expected to continue this effort in his address, highlighting the need for a stronger African voice in global affairs. Ruto has also called for closer cooperation among countries, rejecting the focus on whether African nations should choose between closer ties with the East or the West.
On Tuesday, during the Kenya-European Union Partnership for Multilateralism Summit, Ruto argued that Africa already has substantial domestic savings that could support development if they were put to better use. He emphasized the need for African countries to work together to attract more investment and promote economic growth. The summit provided a platform for Ruto to engage with European leaders and discuss areas of mutual interest.
Ruto's address comes as he leads the Kenyan delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly, where Kenya is seeking to advance its economic interests while also pushing for a stronger African voice in global affairs. The President's engagements at the UN have also included a meeting with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The two discussed ways of expanding cooperation between Kenya and the United States in trade, technology, critical minerals, energy, and regional security.
During his meeting with Rubio, Ruto and the US Secretary of State discussed Kenya's potential in the critical minerals sector and opportunities for American companies to participate in value addition. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the talks covered Kenya's critical minerals opportunities and how they can position the country as a key player in the sector. The meeting highlighted the growing interest in Kenya's mineral resources and the potential for collaboration with US firms.
President Ruto's advocacy for reforms to the global financial system is part of a broader effort to promote a more equitable and sustainable economic order. He has argued that the existing systems should give developing countries a greater role in decisions affecting the global economy. Ruto's address to the UN General Assembly is expected to reiterate these calls and emphasize the need for a more inclusive and representative global economic architecture.
As Ruto addresses the UN General Assembly, Kenya is seeking to attract more African and international capital to the continent. The President's efforts to promote investment in Africa and reforms to the global financial system are part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth and development in the region. With his address, Ruto is expected to reiterate Kenya's commitment to working with international partners to promote a more prosperous and equitable world.
Key points
- President Ruto to address UN General Assembly on Wednesday, promoting investment in Africa and reforms to global financial system
- Ruto calls for closer cooperation among countries, rejecting focus on East-West ties
- Kenya seeks to advance economic interests and promote stronger African voice in global affairs at UN General Assembly
