President William Ruto has met with Kenyans living in the United States in New York ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting is part of Ruto's engagements in New York, where he will focus on advancing Kenya's investment and trade agenda. He will also seek to attract African and global capital to support Kenya's development goals. This meeting demonstrates Ruto's commitment to engaging with the Kenyan diaspora and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
During his engagements in New York, Ruto will co-chair business roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote. These roundtables will bring together investors, policymakers, and business leaders to discuss opportunities for investment in Africa. Ruto will also focus on strengthening Africa's role in the digital and artificial intelligence economy, while promoting investment in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
One of the key projects that Ruto is expected to promote during his engagements in New York is the planned KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The refinery, which is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026, is expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security. The project is a significant investment in Kenya's energy sector and is expected to have a major impact on the country's economy.
Ruto is accompanied by a delegation of government officials, including First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Mining CS Hassan Joho, and Lands CS Alice Wahome. This delegation will support Ruto's engagements in New York and help to promote Kenya's investment and trade agenda. The presence of these officials underscores the government's commitment to promoting Kenya's interests abroad.
The 81st UNGA will provide a platform for Ruto to engage with world leaders and promote Kenya's interests on the global stage. During his address, Ruto is expected to focus on key issues affecting Africa and the world, including climate change, sustainable development, and global security. He will also use the opportunity to strengthen Kenya's relationships with other countries and promote cooperation on key issues.
Ruto's engagements in New York are part of his efforts to promote Kenya's economic development and attract foreign investment. The government has been working to promote Kenya's investment and trade agenda, and Ruto's trip to New York is a key part of this effort. By engaging with investors, policymakers, and business leaders, Ruto aims to secure new investment deals and promote Kenya's economic growth.
The meeting with Kenyans living in the US demonstrates Ruto's commitment to engaging with the Kenyan diaspora and exploring opportunities for collaboration. The Kenyan diaspora plays a significant role in supporting Kenya's economy, and Ruto's engagement with them is expected to yield positive results. By working together, Ruto and the Kenyan diaspora can promote Kenya's economic development and create new opportunities for growth and investment.
Key points
- President William Ruto meets Kenyans in New York to advance Kenya's investment and trade agenda ahead of the 81st UNGA.
