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.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said preparations are 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.

Existing agreements and strategic ties

Kenya and Italy have recently expanded cooperation through multiple memoranda of understanding, including a February 2026 agreement on sustainable fisheries, renewable energy solutions for aquaculture, and research collaboration in the Blue Economy.

The deal was signed during the launch of the Med-Or Italian Foundation Africa Office in Nairobi.

Principal Secretary for the Blue Economy and Fisheries Betsy Njagi said: “We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance sustainable fisheries, renewable energy solutions for aquaculture, and research collaboration in the Blue Economy,” Njagi said in a statement on her X account.

High-level engagements between Ruto and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have further anchored cooperation, with discussions focusing on investment, skills exchange, and development financing.

Labour mobility talks are also expected to explore opportunities for Kenyan professionals in Italy’s labour market. The partnership also includes higher education, training, and research cooperation witnessed by President Ruto in February 2026.