President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Saturday night, May 9, 2026, conducted a joint inspection of ongoing non-motorised transport (NMT) corridors, street lighting, and road infrastructure works across parts of Nairobi.

The late-night tour covered key sections of the city under rehabilitation, focused on the expansion of pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, drainage improvements, and enhanced street lighting meant to improve safety and ease congestion in the capital.

The leaders assessed progress on several road sections where construction is currently underway.

Inspection ahead of Africa Forward Summit

Nairobi will host the Africa Forward Summit on May 11–12, 2026, in partnership with France, an event expected to bring together heads of state and business leaders to advance investment and deepen Africa’s global partnerships.

The summit, co-hosted by President William Samoei Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron of France, will bring together thousands of delegates, including Heads of State and Government, policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

In addition, the summit will bring together over 4,000 delegates, including 30 African Heads of State and Government, to unlock partnerships in innovation, investment and growth, key drivers of jobs and socio-economic transformation for our youth.

The summit presents a strategic opportunity to advance partnerships in digital innovation, infrastructure, investment, and youth empowerment, all of which are central to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Govt readiness for the Summit

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has stated that Kenya is ready to host Africa Forward Summit 2026.

In a statement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, Mudavadi received the symbolic ceremonial key of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), marking Kenya’s full readiness to host this landmark continental gathering.

“On 11th and 12th May, Nairobi will become the meeting point of Africa’s voice, ambition and future as Kenya hosts the Africa Forward Summit. Today, I officially received the symbolic ceremonial key of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), marking Kenya’s full readiness to host this landmark continental gathering,” Mudavadi stated.

The handover was led by KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura, through Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, formally transferring operational responsibility of the venue to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of the key event.