Ruto leaves for New York to attend 81st UN General Assembly

President William Ruto embarked on a trip to New York on Saturday evening for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. His primary objective is to promote Kenya's investment initiatives, attract additional African and international capital, and reinforce Africa's position in establishing the global digital and AI economy. The President was accompanied by his wife, Mama Rachel, and was greeted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other dignitaries.

During the General Assembly, Ruto will strive to forge partnerships in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and technology. These collaborations aim to generate employment, boost productive capacity, and open new markets. He will co-chair discussions alongside Aliko Dangote, a prominent industrialist, at roundtables organized by the Africa Finance Corporation and Global Africa Business Initiative.

A significant focus of the meeting will revolve around the impending KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu. This 700,000-barrel-a-day project is anticipated to generate over 60,000 jobs and bolster regional energy security. The refinery is projected to commence construction on September 30th, 2026.

Ruto and Finland's President Alexander Stubb will jointly lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, empowering nations to pool computing resources, data, and talent to bolster AI capabilities. Kenya will also champion the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which seeks to raise up to $10 billion by 2035 for investment across the continent and position Africa as a contributor and producer within the AI value chain.

Additionally, Ruto will sign a global declaration and roadmap on child online AI safety together with leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. He will also unveil an Africa Resilience Compact utilizing AI, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to augment preparedness for El Niño and other climate-related disruptions.

At the Next 3 Billion convening, Ruto aims to position Kenya as a regional hub for technology, trade, and finance. The country's M-Pesa platform facilitated a financial transaction of KSh41.68 trillion ($340 billion) in a single year, while digital platforms like Ziidi Trader extend financial access from payments to investment and ownership. Kenya will also push for partnerships with the National Basketball Association to enhance sporting infrastructure and opportunities for Kenyan youth.

In his address to the UN General Assembly, Ruto will advocate for an Africa-financing-Africa approach. With Africa holding over $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets, Kenya will urge reforms and international guarantees to unlock more African capital for infrastructure and enterprise. The President will also highlight Kenya's National Infrastructure Fund, which aims to raise up to $40 billion without increasing public debt, and promote Africa's call for enhanced representation in global institutions.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Ruto will engage with world leaders, multilateral organizations, and global corporations to expand trade and investment opportunities.