President William Ruto has departed for New York, United States, to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he is expected to advance Kenya’s investment, technology, and Africa-financing agenda.
According to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed , President Ruto will seek partnerships in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology, with a focus on creating jobs, expanding productive capacity and opening new markets.
The president is also scheduled to co-chair roundtable discussions hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), alongside African industrialist Aliko Dangote.
A key issue at the meetings will be the proposed KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The 700,000-barrel-per-day project is expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and strengthen regional energy security. The project is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026.
On artificial intelligence, President Ruto will co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The initiative seeks to enable countries to combine computing resources, data and talent to strengthen their AI capabilities.
Kenya will also promote the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which targets mobilisation of up to $10 billion by 2035 to support investment in artificial intelligence across Africa.
The President is further expected to participate in efforts to strengthen child online safety in the age of AI, alongside leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
He will also launch an Africa Resilience Compact that will use artificial intelligence, satellite earth observation, and predictive technologies to improve preparedness for El Niño and other climate-related shocks.
At the Next 3 Billion convening, President Ruto will position Kenya as a regional technology, trade and finance hub, highlighting the country’s digital economy and financial technology platforms.
The statement noted that KSh41.68 trillion moved through M-Pesa in a single year, while platforms such as Ziidi Trader have expanded digital access from payments to investment.
The President is also expected to advance partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA) aimed at expanding sporting infrastructure and opportunities for young people in Kenya.
During his UN General Assembly address, Ruto will champion an “Africa-financing-Africa” approach, calling for reforms and international guarantees to unlock more African capital for infrastructure and enterprise.
Kenya will also highlight its National Infrastructure Fund, which is designed to mobilise up to $40 billion without adding to public debt, while supporting Africa’s call for greater representation in global institutions.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, President Ruto will hold engagements with Heads of State and government, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to discuss trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
He is also expected to meet Kenyans living in the United States as the government advances plans for a Diaspora Investment Platform aimed at directing diaspora capital into productive investments in Kenya.
