Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has shared more insight into President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to Italy.

In a statement on his official X account on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Mudavadi noted that the visit is set to promote Kenyan exports and position the country as an attractive destination for Italian investment across key sectors.

“Preparations are firmly in place ahead of H.E. President @WilliamsRuto’s upcoming State Visit to Italy, following a detailed executive briefing on the priorities and expected outcomes of the visit,” Mudavadi stated.

According to Mudavadi, the engagements in Italy will focus on strengthening Kenya–Italy cooperation, aligning development priorities and unlocking new opportunities in trade, investment and strategic partnerships.

In addition, key outcomes will include the mobilisation of financing for priority projects, the signing of new Memoranda of Understanding, and the acceleration of existing bilateral agreements, all aimed at delivering tangible benefits for Kenyans.

Kenya-Italy

Kenya and Italy are preparing to deepen bilateral cooperation ahead of a forthcoming State Visit by President William Ruto, as engagements between the two countries intensify across multiple sectors.

The discussions build on existing agreements and recent diplomatic exchanges aimed at strengthening ties in development, trade, and innovation.

Earlier on, Mudavadi had stated that preparations were ongoing following briefings from senior officials.

Preparations for State Visit

On Monday, April 13, 2026, Musalia Mudavadi said he had received a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs led by Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and Head of the Europe and Commonwealth Directorate Judy Njau.

He noted that the visit will review progress made since Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s 2023 State Visit to Kenya and reinforce diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Rome.

“The visit will advance key negotiations across water, tourism, digital economy, energy, agriculture, health and labour mobility, while taking stock of progress since President Sergio Mattarella’s visit to Kenya in 2023, as we continue to deepen Kenya–Italy relations.”

Key sectors of cooperation

Mudavadi stated that the visit will focus on negotiations in water, tourism, digital economy, energy, agriculture, health, and labour mobility. He added that the government seeks partnerships that translate into measurable outcomes for citizens.

“Our focus remains clear: build strong, results-driven partnerships that expand opportunity and deliver tangible benefits for Kenya,” Mudavadi stated, underscoring government priorities in foreign engagement.

The talks are expected to build on Kenya’s development agenda, with emphasis on innovation, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy transition, and expansion of digital infrastructure. Officials said the engagement aims to strengthen institutional partnerships between the two countries.