By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
President William Ruto on Sunday, May 19, 2024, jetted out of the country for a state visit to the United States of America.
A statement signed by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed says the visit runs from May 20 to 24th, 2024.
“This visit is historic as it is the first State Visit by a Kenyan Head of State in two decades and the first by an African Head of State since 2008,” Mohammed said.
He further noted that the visit demonstrates the robust partnership between Kenya and the United States as well as being a fitting tribute to 60 years of strong diplomatic ties.
Kenya and the US has enjoyed deepening and mutually beneficial cooperation at bilateral and multilateral level, resulting in the elevation of the relationship in 2018 to a Strategic Partnership.
Ruto’s visit to the US, State House said, is themed ‘Partnership for Prosperity’ and it is aimed to bolster shared commitments to economic growth, democratic values, peace and security as well as reflects the strategoic importance of Kenya to the US as a leading regional anchor and the main commercial gateway to Eastern Africa.
Ruto’s US itinerary
On Monday, the President is scheduled to start his state visit in Atlanta, Georgia where he will visit the Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
The visit is meant to emphasize Kenya’s shared commitment to governance, democratic values anti-corruption efforts.
“His remarks here will underline the importance of democracies working collaboratively to tackle global challenges,” the State House said.
The President will then visit Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay homage to the civil rights struggle and emphasize how religion can be a force for good.
In addition, Ruto will visit Centre for Disease Control Headquarters before being hosted by Kenyans living in the US in Atlanta.
On the second day, the Head of State and his delegation will be at Spelman College for a discussion on the critical role of higher education – particularly science and technology – in enhancing Kenya’s human capital development.
Later, he will visit Tyler Perry Studio to explore opportunities within the creative economy “highlighting the rapidly growing sector as a potentially major job creator and area for robust partnership between Kenya and the US.” .
“The President will then shift attention to trade and investment with a visit to Coca-Cola, where new investiment partnerships will be announced,” said the State House spokesperson.
Ruto is also scheduled to launch VIVO’s inaugural store in America.Later, Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta and the Atlanta CEO’s Council will host the President who will seek to position Kenya as an important regional manufacturing hub.
On Wednesday, the President and the first lady will travel to Washington DC and will be officially received with state honors at Andrews Airforce Base.
“The President will have extensive engagements at the Hill where he will meet a bipartisan congressional delegation under chairmanship of the Speakers of the House.
He will also meet Black Congressional Caucus and hold discussions with a Bipartisan Caucus of the Senate.
On his final day of the visit on Thursday, the Head of State will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the sacrifices of American soldiers as well as historic figures such as Thurgood Marshall and John F Kennedy.
When will Ruto meet Joe Biden?
“President Ruto will hold the main bilateral meetings with his host President Biden, delve deeper into Kenya-US economic, health and security partnership, and discuss regional development on the continent,” State House noted.
Multinational issues are also expected to feature in the talks including MDB reform and Security Council reforms to enable the world to cope with the evolving poly-crisis of climate, debt, pandemics and a multitude of security threats.
“The two leaders will hold a joint press conference at the White House,” said Hussein Mohammed.