President William Ruto travelled to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, October 21, to attend the 25th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare.
Ruto is expected to hand over the regional bloc’s chairmanship to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the summit on Thursday, October 22, marking the end of Kenya’s tenure at the helm of the organisation.
The Kenyan leader arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare on Wednesday evening amid rainy weather. He was welcomed by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, who represented the host government, alongside Kenya’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Gertrude Nyausi Angote.
Mnangagwa is set to take over as COMESA chair for the 2026-2027 term, following Zimbabwe’s tenure as vice chair since the bloc’s 24th summit, which was held in Nairobi in October 2025. Ambassador Angote said Kenya was looking forward to strengthening its regional partnerships and supporting COMESA’s objectives as the leadership transition approached.
The summit is taking place at Zimbabwe’s new Parliament building in Mount Hampden under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”.
More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the gathering, where leaders and other stakeholders will discuss ways to improve trade, promote industrial development and attract investment across the region. COMESA brings together 21 member states with a combined population of more than 640 million people, making it a key platform for advancing regional economic cooperation and integration.
Ruto’s departure for Zimbabwe came a day after he presided over Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Tuesday, October 20. The national event was jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties, marking the first time three counties had shared hosting responsibilities for the annual celebrations.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony, which honoured Kenyans who have contributed to the country’s independence, development and progress.