President William Ruto is set to make history as he becomes one of the few African heads of state invited to attend the prestigious G7 summit in Italy next week. Ruto confirmed his attendance during a meeting in Bungoma last week.

The event, which will mark its 50th meeting, will take place from June 13-15 in the city of Fasano in Apulia.

Ruto will be joined by leaders from Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Tunisia, making Kenya one of the only five African countries invited to the meeting.

Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will chair the meeting, which will focus on critical issues affecting the global community.

The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum that brings together Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The European Union also participates in the Group and is represented at the summits by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

The fact that not many countries have been invited to the summit only shows that Kenya is held in high regards on key issues such as economic development, climate change, and international security.

African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and Pope Francis are also expected to address the summit.

The summit shall highlight Kenya’s developmental achievements, challenges, and aspirations on a global platform, potentially unlock new avenues for cooperation and investment.

This attendance comes in the wake of President Ruto’s state visit to the U.S on invitation by President Joe Biden.