Ruto officially welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at State House
By Mustafa Juma, May 10, 2026President William Ruto has officially welcomed his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at State House, Nairobi.
The two are set to co-host the highly anticipated Africa Forward Summit scheduled for May 11–12, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The two leaders had a brief photo session before proceeding to a tête-à-tête ahead of their bilateral meetings.
“French President @EmmanuelMacron officially welcomed by President @WilliamsRuto at @StateHouseKenya, Nairobi. Both presidents will make new commitments strengthening the bilateral relation. From tomorrow, France and Kenya will co-host the #AfricaForward Summit that illustrates the rich and dynamic relations between the African countries with a key focus on youth,” the French Embassy in Nairobi captioned a brief video shared via X that showed the two leaders shaking hands.
Macron’s arrival in Nairobi
Macron touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, May 10, 2026, where he was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Mudavadi was accompanied by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the official reception ceremony.
Upon disembarking from his plane, the French president was treated to a colourful cultural performance featuring traditional Kenyan dancers dressed in traditional attire.
The performers entertained guests with song and dance in a symbolic display of Kenyan culture and hospitality.
The reception concluded with a performance by Maasai traditional dancers, who welcomed Macron with energetic chants and dances as dignitaries looked on.
Macron and Mudavadi then had a brief session at the JKIA Presidential Pavilion, before proceeding to the State House, Nairobi.
Africa Forward Summit
Macron’s visit comes as global attention increasingly shifts toward Africa’s economic growth, youthful population, and strategic importance in international trade and geopolitics.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to bring together political leaders, investors, diplomats, policymakers, and business executives to discuss issues including infrastructure, climate action, healthcare, digital transformation, and economic partnerships.
Kenya is positioning itself as a key regional hub for diplomacy, innovation, and investment, with Nairobi continuing to host major continental and international forums.
Mudavadi had confirmed on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that preparations for the event are all set.
He also announced that the government is keen on delivering a world-class forum that demands seamless coordination across it.
“Preparations for the Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12) are in full gear, and delivering a world-class forum demands seamless coordination across Government,” Mudavadi said.