Ruto To Join Raila In The US
Ruto will depart Kenya to attend the US-Africa Leaders' Summit...
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President William Ruto will be expected to rub shoulders with Azimio la Umoja coalition leader, Raila Odinga when he leaves the country on Monday evening, December 12 for the United States (US).
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said in a statement that Ruto will depart Kenya to attend the US-Africa Leaders' Summit.
The three-day summit, between December 13 and 15, 2022, offers an opportunity for African leaders to shape the continent's partnership with the US in a range of sectors including trade, the economy, security and political relations.
President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and US President Joe Biden. /FILE
"The priority is to scale up measures that support resilience and recovery from the effects of Covid-19, and the climate crisis that has seen the continent suffer disproportionate consequences.
"The US is one of the largest export destinations for Kenyan products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and a leading partner for Kenya's development agenda as well as regional peace, security and multilateral cooperation," read the statement in part.
In strengthening Kenya's bilateral and economic ties with the US, President Ruto will advocate the conclusion of the Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement and support African countries' push to expand US-Africa trade relations through the renewal of AGOA.
During the tour, he will deliver a statement on "The Future of Africa's Trade and Investment Relations with the US", and address the summit on partnering in Agenda 2063, and specifically on A Peaceful and Secure Africa.
President Ruto will also engage the private sector and pitch for expanded partnerships in trade and investments, better access of Kenyan products to the US market and the creation of jobs and other opportunities for Kenyans.
Odinga had departed the country to attend the same summit in his capacity as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development. In that capacity, he will lead discussions on the promotion of investment in infrastructure and the attainment of a Just Energy Transition.
Raila is also lined up for a series of meetings with leaders from the public and private sectors and civil society organizations on the sidelines of the Summit.
