President William Ruto left the country on Sunday May 19, 2024 evening for a state visit to the United States.
The 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.
Themed ‘Partnership for Prosperity’, the visit aims to bolster shared commitments to economic growth, democratic values, peace and security, and reflects the strategic importance of Kenya to the US.
Monday May 20, 2024
On Monday May 20, the President’s visit will commence in Atlanta, Georgia. He will visit the Carter Presidential Library and Museum to emphasize Kenya’s shared commitment to governance, democratic values, and anti-corruption efforts.
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.
Also on day one of Ruto’s visit, he will go to the Center Disease Control Headquarters while focusing on Kenya-US health partnerships.
Still on Monday, President Ruto and First Lady will be hosted by Kenyans living in Atlanta, with a focus on the diaspora as a key player in national transformation.
Tuesday May 21, 2024
The president will commence his second day at Spelman College where he will discuss the critical role of higher education.
At Tyler Perry Studios, President Ruto will explore opportunities within the creative economy, highlighting the rapidly growing sector as a potentially major job creator.
The President will then shift attention to trade and investment with a visit to Coca-Cola, where new investment partnerships will be announced.
The head of State will then launch VIVO’s inaugural store in America. VIVO is a leading Kenyan retail fashion enterprise, showcasing the power of Kenyan women entrepreneurs.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
The President and the First Lady will travel to Washington D.C., at Andrews Airforce Base, where they will be officially received with full ceremonial state honours.
The President will have extensive engagements at the Hill, where he will meet a bipartisan congressional delegation under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the House, meet with the Black Congressional Caucus and hold discussions with a Bipartisan Caucus of the Senate led by Senator Schumer (Majority) and Senator McConnel (Minority).
Thursday May 23, 2024
The President and First Lady will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honour the sacrifices of American soldiers as well as historic figures such as Thurgood Marshall and John F. Kennedy, who have had profound impacts on Kenya’s history.
President Ruto will hold the main bilateral meetings with his host President Biden, delve deeper into Kenya-US economic, health, and security partnership.
The President will thereafter deliver a keynote speech on shared climate solutions at the Smithsonian, discussing global environmental challenges and collaborative efforts to address them.
Friday May 24, 2024
A digital roundtable discussion hosted by Vice President Harris, exploring the potential for expanding the U.S.-Kenya digital partnership.
A visit to the Pentagon where President Ruto will highlight Kenya-US defence partnership in the fight against terrorism, extremism and other emerging threats including cyber security.
