President William Ruto has departed for New York, United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He is expected to champion increased investment in Africa, artificial intelligence, and reforms to the global financial system. Ruto will use the high-level gathering to advance Kenya's investment interests, attract African and international capital, and promote the continent's role in shaping the global digital and artificial intelligence economy.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto will advocate for an "Africa-financing-Africa" approach. This approach seeks to leverage the continent's more than $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets to finance development. Kenya will also push for reforms and international guarantees to unlock additional African capital for infrastructure and enterprise. The President will highlight the National Infrastructure Fund, designed to mobilize up to $40 billion without increasing public debt.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Ruto will engage Heads of State and Government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to promote trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. He is scheduled to meet Kenyans living in the United States as the government advances plans for a Diaspora Investment Platform. This platform aims to channel diaspora capital into productive investments in Kenya. Ruto will co-chair business roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI).
A key focus of the meetings will be the proposed Ksh.2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu. This 700,000-barrel-per-day project is expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security. According to State House, the project is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026. Ruto will also seek partnerships in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and technology to create jobs, expand productive capacity, and open up new markets.
On artificial intelligence, Ruto and Finnish President Alexander Stubb will co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative. This initiative seeks to enable countries to combine computing resources, data, and talent to develop their AI capabilities. Kenya will also advance the Africa Development Bank-backed AI $10 billion Initiative, which aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035 to support AI investments across Africa.
The President is further 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 the Africa Resilience Compact, which will use artificial intelligence, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to strengthen preparedness for El Niño and other climate-related shocks.
At the Next 3 Billion convening, Ruto will position Kenya as a regional technology, trade, and finance hub. State House said Kenya moved Ksh.41.68 trillion through M-Pesa in a single year, while platforms such as Ziidi Trader are expanding digital access from payments to investment and ownership. The government will also advance partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to expand sporting infrastructure and opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Key points
- President Ruto to champion "Africa-financing-Africa" approach at UNGA
- Kenya to push for reforms and international guarantees to unlock African capital
- Ruto to co-lead AI Middle Powers Initiative with Finnish President Alexander Stubb
