Ruto in New York for UNGA 81 to Champion Kenya Investment and Africa Financing

Nairobi, Kenya - September 21 - President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto are in New York for the upcoming 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), set to kick off a week of critical engagements centered around Kenya's key economic, diplomatic and developmental priorities. Ruto touched down in the city on Sunday, joined by the First Lady and a Kenyan delegation, as world leaders gather at the United Nations Headquarters for the annual global assembly.

This year's theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including peace and security, climate resilience, sustainable development, digital governance, artificial intelligence, and UN system reforms.

During his stay in New York, President Ruto aims to champion Kenya's investment and trade agenda, with a particular focus on energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and technology. The Kenyan government seeks to forge strategic partnerships that will expand productive capacity, generate employment opportunities, and unlock new markets for Kenyan businesses and farmers.

Ruto is also expected to leverage this international platform to bolster Africa's involvement in the global digital economy and artificial intelligence sector.

Artificial intelligence is slated to be a focal point of Ruto's engagements, as he co-leads the AI Middle Powers Initiative alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The initiative aims to empower participating nations to combine computing resources, data, and talent to foster domestic AI capabilities. Additionally, Ruto will spearhead discussions on an Africa-specific AI financing initiative designed to channel investment into the continent's AI ecosystem.

Ruto's agenda also encompasses crucial discussions on child online safety and leveraging technology to bolster Africa's resilience against climate-related challenges. On the infrastructure and energy front, Ruto is set to participate in talks surrounding major projects, including the ambitious Sh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu. This facility, boasting a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, is projected to generate over 60,000 jobs upon completion.

During the UNGA, Kenya plans to advocate for increased access to financing for African development, alongside reforms within global institutions. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei highlighted that the meeting will be a platform for exploring debt sustainability, climate finance, digital trade, regional security, and amplifying Africa's voice in global governance.

Beyond the UNGA proceedings, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations outside the assembly. His itinerary also includes engagements with Kenyans residing in the United States, offering them a platform to address issues affecting the diaspora community, explore investment prospects, and discuss skills transfer and other avenues for contributing to Kenya's growth.