President William Ruto has left Kenya for New York, United States, where he will attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and advance Kenya’s investment, technology and Africa-focused financing agenda.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto’s engagements will focus on attracting partnerships in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and technology.
The president is also expected to discuss global financial reforms, climate financing, artificial intelligence, digital cooperation and reforms within the United Nations.
What major project will Ruto promote in New York?
Among the major investments Ruto is expected to showcase is the proposed KSh 2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu.
Mohamed said Ruto will co-chair discussions organised by the Africa Finance Corporation and Global Africa Business Initiative together with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote.
State House said the proposed refinery would process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, create more than 60,000 jobs and contribute to regional energy security.
The project is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026.
What is Ruto’s AI plan?
Artificial intelligence will also form part of Ruto’s engagements during his visit to New York.
The president and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb are expected to jointly lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, which seeks to help countries pool computing capacity, data and expertise to strengthen their AI capabilities.
Kenya will also promote the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which aims to mobilise up to $10 billion for AI investment across Africa by 2035.
Ruto is further expected to join leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia in signing a global declaration and roadmap focused on protecting children from risks associated with AI online.
How does Kenya want to mobilise African capital?
During his UN General Assembly address, Ruto is expected to advocate for an “Africa-financing-Africa” model aimed at increasing the use of African capital to fund development.
State House said Kenya will call for reforms and international guarantees that could help unlock more domestic financing for infrastructure and businesses, with Africa estimated to hold more than $4 trillion in savings and assets.
Ruto will also highlight Kenya’s proposed National Infrastructure Fund, which the government says could mobilise up to $40 billion without increasing public debt.
Beyond the UNGA programme, the president is expected to hold meetings with foreign leaders, multilateral institutions and international companies as Kenya seeks to expand trade, investment and diplomatic ties.
He will also meet Kenyans in the United States as the government works on a proposed Diaspora Investment Platform intended to channel diaspora funds into productive investments in Kenya.
