President William Ruto has left for New York, United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly. According to a statement from State House, Ruto will push Kenya's investment agenda and advocate for increased financing for Africa. He will also seek partnerships in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and technology. Ruto's trip aims to promote Kenya's interests and strengthen global relationships.
During the General Assembly, Ruto will co-chair roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote. A key focus will be the planned Sh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu, which the government says will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and create more than 60,000 jobs. The project is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026.
Ruto will also advance Kenya's agenda on artificial intelligence and Africa's participation in the global digital economy. He and Finland President Alexander Stubb will co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, which seeks to enable countries to pool computing resources, data, and talent to build AI capabilities. Kenya will also advance the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 billion initiative, which aims to mobilise up to 10 billion dollars by 2035 for investment in Africa's artificial intelligence sector.
The President is expected to sign a global declaration and roadmap on child online AI safety alongside leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. He will also launch an Africa Resilience Compact that will use artificial intelligence, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to strengthen preparedness for El Niño and other climate shocks. These initiatives demonstrate Kenya's commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
During his address to the UN General Assembly, Ruto is expected to champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach, calling for reforms and international guarantees to unlock more African capital for infrastructure and enterprise. He will also highlight Kenya's National Infrastructure Fund, which the government says is designed to mobilise up to 40 billion dollars without adding to public debt. This approach aims to promote African self-reliance and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Ruto will hold meetings with heads of state and government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to discuss trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. He will also engage Kenyans living in the United States as the government advances a Diaspora Investment Platform intended to channel diaspora capital into productive investment in Kenya. These engagements aim to strengthen Kenya's global partnerships and promote economic growth.
The President's trip to the UN General Assembly underscores Kenya's growing role in global affairs and its commitment to promoting African interests. Ruto's participation in high-level discussions and meetings will help shape international agendas and promote cooperation on key issues. The trip is expected to yield significant benefits for Kenya and the African continent.
Key points
- President Ruto will co-chair roundtables on investment and infrastructure development.
- Kenya will advance its agenda on artificial intelligence and Africa's participation in the global digital economy.
- Ruto will champion an Africa-financing-Africa approach to promote African self-reliance and sustainable development.
