Details Of President Ruto's Tour In US

Ruto will attend the high-level segment of the annual United Nations (UN) meeting from Tuesday to Friday, September 23.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Sep 20, 2022 - 12:15 Updated: Sep 20, 2022 - 12:16
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Details Of President Ruto's Tour In US
President William Ruto in the United Kingdom. /WILLIAM RUTO

President William Ruto will lead Kenya's delegation to the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the USA on Tuesday, September 20.

In a statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ruto will attend the high-level segment of the annual United Nations (UN) meeting from Tuesday to Friday, September 23.

The Ministry added that participation at the highest level in the UNGA is particularly important for the country as it seeks to complete the second year of its non-permanent membership to the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

President William Ruto leaves for the UK on September 18, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO

"While in New York, President Dr Ruto is scheduled to give his debut address to the United Nations and hold bilateral talks with several other Heads of State and Government. 

“At the United Nations Headquarters, Kenya will seek to promote its foreign policy at the multilateral system including enhancing participation in the quest for realization of SDGs and global leadership in emerging issues including climate change," read the statement in part.

The 77th UNGA, the Ministry added, coincides with the worst drought in the Horn of Africa with many countries in the region, including Kenya, experiencing unprecedented effects in the last 40 years

At the bilateral level, President Ruto will lead Kenya's quest to harness relations with the United States of America guided by the 5 pillars of strategic dialogue partnership.

He will also attend a working session with senior representatives of American businesses during which he will urge increased trade and investment between the two countries.

Ruto will also seize the opportunity to engage other select World leaders on priority areas of bilateral relations.

"In his capacity as Coordinator, President Dr Ruto will also chair a meeting of the Conference of African Heads of State on Climate Crisis (CAHOSCC)," added the statement.

The address at the UNGA would be Ruto's first since being sworn in as president, having previously noted that climate change is a high priority on his agenda.

According to the schedule of speeches publicized by the UN, the program would begin with an address from the US President, Joe Biden, after which representatives from Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Zambia, Libya, and Moldova, will speak. Ruto is set to speak on Wednesday, September 21 after the Slovenian representative.

This year’s UNGA theme is “A watershed moment: Transformative solutions to interlocking challenges.” Global crises like the Russia-Ukrain war, climate change, global energy crises, and the Covid-19 pandemic are major issues that would be discussed.

Ruto was previously in the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II, lauded by many for its colourful show in line with ancient kingdom traditions.

President William Ruto riding to Queen Elizabeth's funeral aboard a bus and US counterpart, Joe Biden travelling in his armoured motorcade to the same destination. /VIRALTEAKE