President William Ruto embarked on his journey to New York on Saturday evening to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly. His mission is to elevate Kenya’s investment initiatives, attract both African and global capital, and enhance Africa’s influence in the evolving digital and AI economy.
He received a warm send-off from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and other dignitaries.
Accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel, President Ruto aims to forge partnerships in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and technology. These collaborations are designed to create jobs, boost productive capacity, and unlock new markets.
The President will co-chair roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), alongside esteemed industrialist Aliko Dangote. A significant highlight will be the discussion on the ambitious KSh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a project with a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, set to generate over 60,000 jobs and enhance regional energy security, with groundbreaking scheduled for September 30, 2026.
In the realm of Artificial Intelligence, President Ruto and President Alexander Stubb of Finland will jointly lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, fostering collaboration among nations to pool computing resources, data, and talent for advancing AI capabilities.
Kenya is poised to promote the Africa Development Bank-backed AI 10 Billion Initiative, which aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035 to invest in Africa and establish the continent as a key player in the AI value chain.
Additionally, the President will sign a global declaration on child online AI safety with leaders from Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. He will also launch the Africa Resilience Compact, leveraging AI, satellite observation, and predictive technologies to enhance preparedness for climate events like El Niño.
At the Next 3 Billion convening, President Ruto will position Kenya as a regional hub for technology, trade, and finance. Notably, Kenya processed KSh41.68 trillion through M-Pesa in just one year, while platforms like Ziidi Trader are broadening digital access from payments to investment opportunities.
Kenya will also pursue partnerships with the National Basketball Association to enhance sporting infrastructure and create more opportunities for Kenyan youth.
In his address at the UN General Assembly, the President will advocate for an Africa-financing-Africa approach. With over $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets, Kenya will call for reforms and international support to unlock additional African capital for infrastructure and enterprise development.
Furthermore, the President will showcase the National Infrastructure Fund, designed to mobilize up to $40 billion without increasing public debt, while championing Africa’s demand for greater representation in global institutions.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President Ruto will engage with Heads of State, multilateral institutions, and global corporations to expand trade and investment opportunities.
