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| President William Ruto.[Standard, File] |
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel are scheduled to embark on a significant four-day state visit to the United States this evening.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced in a press conference on Sunday, May 19, that this visit marks the first by a Kenyan head of state in two decades and the first by an African head of state since 2008, making it a historic event.
“The visit will strengthen shared commitments to economic growth, democratic values, peace, and security between Kenya and the United States,” Mohammed stated.
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| Presidents Joe Biden, William Ruto, and First Lady Rachel Ruto at a reception hosted by Biden during the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Facebook |
Monday, May 20: Atlanta, Georgia
President Ruto’s visit will begin in Atlanta, Georgia, with a tour of The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, highlighting the two countries' dedication to governance, democratic values, and anti-corruption efforts.
Following this, he will visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay tribute to the civil rights movement and underscore the positive role of religion in society.
The final stop in Atlanta will focus on Kenya’s health partnership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters, where a new CDC-Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) partnership will be announced.
Tuesday, May 21: Education and Economy
Ruto will start his day at Spelman College, discussing the crucial role of higher education, particularly in science and technology, in Kenya’s human capital development.
At Tyler Perry Studios, he will explore opportunities in the creative economy, emphasizing its potential for job creation and robust partnership between Kenya and the US.
He will then visit the Coca-Cola Company to announce new investment partnerships.
Additionally, Ruto will launch the inaugural store of Vivo, a leading Kenyan fashion enterprise, showcasing the impact of Kenyan women entrepreneurs.
The day will conclude with a reception hosted by Mayor Andrew Dickens of Atlanta and the Atlanta CEO’s Council, where discussions will focus on positioning Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.
Wednesday, May 22: Washington DC
Ruto will receive full ceremonial state honors at Andrews Air Force Base upon his arrival in Washington DC.
He will engage extensively on Capitol Hill, meeting a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by the Speaker of the House, and hold discussions with the Congressional Black Caucus and a bipartisan Senate caucus headed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
In these meetings, Ruto will address the challenges faced by African democracies, the dual crisis of climate change and regional conflict, and advocate for the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Thursday, May 23: Honors and Bilateral Meetings
The day will begin with Ruto and the First Lady laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring American soldiers and historic figures such as Thurgood Marshall and John F. Kennedy.
Subsequently, Ruto will hold bilateral meetings with President Joe Biden to discuss economic, health, and security partnerships between Kenya and the US. The leaders will also address multilateral issues before holding a joint press briefing at the White House.
Ruto will then deliver a keynote address on shared climate solutions at the Smithsonian, followed by attending a state dinner at the White House.
Friday, May 24: Strategic Engagements
The visit will conclude with strategic engagements focused on trade, investment, and digital cooperation.
Ruto will advocate for Kenya as a prime destination for US investment at a breakfast meeting at the US Chamber of Commerce.
He will participate in a digital roundtable discussion hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris, exploring the expansion of the US-Kenya digital partnership.
Ruto will also visit the Pentagon to highlight the Kenya-US partnership in combating terrorism, extremism, and emerging threats such as cybersecurity.
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