Ruto hosts Malaysian PM for dinner amid two-day state visit
By Joel Masibo, November 24, 2025President William Ruto hosted Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for dinner at State House, Nairobi on Sunday night, November 23, 205, amid his two-day official visit to the country.
Ibrahim jetted into the country on Sunday, November 23, 2025 and was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). His visit comes at a moment when President Ruto has vowed to borrow a leaf from Malaysia and other Asian countries in a bid to move the country from third-world to first-world class.
Dinner at State House
”Hosted Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for dinner at State House, Nairobi, where we reflected on his country’s rise from a struggling nation to a first-world status. Malaysia’s journey continues to inspire us and proves that discipline, focus, and bold leadership can transform a nation,” Ruto took to X.
As Ruto embarks on his ambition of transforming the country to match Malaysia and other first-world nations, the Head of State said his administration is pumping Ksh5 trillion into infrastructural development and agriculture to open opportunities countrywide.
”Drawing from this inspiration, we are rolling out a KSh5 trillion plan to invest in our people, boost agriculture through large-scale irrigation, build better roads and energy systems, and open real opportunities across the country. This is a clear and practical path to help Kenya become a first-world economy that lifts our people from poverty and creates wealth for shared prosperity,” William Ruto added.
Commenting on Anwar Ibrahim’s visit, Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya and Malaysia share more than 60 years of close cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and investment, further emphasising the importance of his official visit to Kenya.
The scheduled discussions will focus on strengthening this long-standing partnership, especially in affordable housing and the digital economy. According to Mudavadi, Malaysian companies have shown strong interest in contributing to Kenya’s housing and infrastructure agenda.
Development partnership
”We look forward to expanding collaboration in these transformative sectors. Tourism is another key frontier. Both countries are exploring ways to work together in promoting our destinations, enhancing cultural exchanges, and jointly positioning ourselves on the global stage through partnerships with international organisations. As we build on decades of friendship, Kenya and Malaysia remain committed to a future of shared growth, innovation, and cooperation,” Musalia Mudavadi said.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has blasted a section of leaders who have doubts about his mission of taking Kenya from third-world to first-world status, describing them as average thinkers.