Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has confirmed that President William Ruto will attend the upcoming G7 Summit after receiving an invitation ahead of the leadership transition to France next month.

Mudavadi told a local television station in an interview on Sunday, May 10, 2026, that the invitation signifies Kenya’s increasing diplomatic prominence in the world and its burgeoning presence as an African voice in international affairs.

“France is taking over the G6 leadership next month, and President Ruto has been invited to attend the G7 session. This gathering gives him legitimacy on behalf of the continent to be able to canvass certain positions,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime CS stated that the country’s rising profile in international forums invariably reflects the trust and confidence that world leaders have in Kenya’s leadership and foreign policy course.

Mudavadi said that Kenya has been making steady strides to strengthen its role in international diplomacy with active engagement in peace processes, regional integration, climate action, and economic cooperation on the African continent.

“Kenya has become a continental voice, and that is positive for our country,” he added.

President Ruto’s likely appearance at the summit may shine a spotlight on the following issues: global economic recovery, climate financing, trade, security, and Africa’s development agenda.

The G7 summit includes leaders of the G7 countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, and Japan, as well as invited partner countries and international organisations.

Macron’s visit to Kenya

Mudavadi’s confirmation comes hours after the arrival of France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, in Kenya on Sunday, 10 May 2026, for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering aimed at redefining relations between France and African nations.

Upon his arrival, Kenya and France signed 11 bilateral agreements to strengthen diplomatic, economic, infrastructure, and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The agreements were signed during talks held at State House, Nairobi, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following Macron’s arrival in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit.

‎Kenya will attend the June G7 summit alongside other invited countries, including Korea, Brazil, and India, signalling its elevation into a select group of emerging economies engaged in high-level discussions with the world’s largest industrialised nations.

In a statement issued via social media after the meeting, President Ruto said Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963 and continue to deepen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.

According to Ruto, the decision to host the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya for the first time outside a Francophone country reflects the growing relationship between Nairobi and Paris.

“Kenya and France have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1963. We continue to deepen this partnership in areas of shared interest for the benefit of the people of both nations,” Ruto stated.