Packed itinerary on Ruto historic American visit

President William Ruto jetted out of the country yesterday evening for a five-day state visit to the United States with a full tray of events lined up for him.

This is the first State visit by a Kenyan President  and the first by an African Head of State since 2008.

Starting today in Atlanta, Georgia, President Ruto will commence his tour by visiting the Carter Presidential Library and Museum, with the State House explaining that this will be a sign that the two countries share a commitment to governance, democratic values, and anti-corruption efforts.

The President will then visit Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay homage to the civil rights struggle and emphasize how religion can be a force for good underscoring the respect for historical struggles for equality and justice.

“The third area of engagement tomorrow, that is on Monday 20, in Atlanta, Georgia, will focus on the U.S.-Kenya health partnership at the Center for Disease Control, CDC headquarters. Among key announcements will include the new CDC-Kemri (Kenya Medical Research Institute) partnership,” State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed said.

High education

On Tuesday, the President’s visit will start at Spelman College, where he will discuss the critical role of higher education, particularly science and technology, in enhancing Kenya’s human capital development.

Ruto will be hoping to attract investment from the US nationals thus solidifying Kenya as an appealing destination for tech jobs for both present and future needs.

Ruto will later head to Tyler Perry Studios where he will explore opportunities within the creative economy as a potential job creator. The President will then visit Coca-Cola, where new investment partnerships will be announced before launching Vivo’s inaugural store in America.

Manufacturing

Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta and the Atlanta CEOs Council will then host the President who will seek to position Kenya as an important regional manufacturing hub.

President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will travel to Washington DC on Wednesday, arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, where they will be officially received with full ceremonial state honours.

“The President will hold extensive engagements at the Capitol Hill, where he’ll meet a bipartisan congressional delegation under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the House, meet with the Black Congressional Caucus, and hold discussions with the bipartisan caucus of the Senate,” Mohamed said.

At the caucus, the President will apprise the legislators on among other issues the dual crisis of climate change and conflicts in the region and Kenya’s leadership in dealing with the challenges.

Mohamed emphasized that Thursday will highlight Ruto’s visit to the US, with the First Couple kicking off the day by laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honour the American soldiers and other historic figures John F. Kennedy.

The Head of State will then hold bilateral meetings with his host, President Biden which will delve into Kenya-U.S. economic, health, and security partnership.

President Ruto will thereafter deliver a keynote speech on shared climate solutions at the Smithsonian, discussing global environmental challenges and collaborative efforts to address them.

The day concludes with a State dinner at the White House. Finally, on Friday, May 24, Ruto will conclude his visit with engagements focusing on trade, investment, and digital cooperation.