Ruto scheduled for state visit to South Africa after Madaraka Day celebrations
By Mustafa Juma, May 30, 2026President William Ruto is set to depart for South Africa for a three-day state visit shortly after the country’s Madaraka Day celebrations, set to be hosted in Wajir County, in a diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nairobi and Pretoria.
The visit, scheduled from June 3 to 5, 2026, follows an invitation by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and will see the Kenyan Head of State hosted at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
According to official communication from the South African Presidency dated Friday, May 29, 2026, the State Visit underscores the long-standing cordial relations between Kenya and South Africa, which were re-established in 1994.
South Africa described Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and across the continent, noting that the two countries continue to enjoy mutually beneficial political and economic ties.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 4 June 2026, host His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane. President Ruto will undertake the State Visit from 3 to 5 June 2026 at the invitation of President Ramaphosa,” the statement reads in part.
“South Africa and Kenya enjoy long-standing mutually beneficial and cordial relations that were re-established in 1994. South Africa values Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and the continent.”
Busy diplomatic programme in Pretoria
The high-level visit will include a series of official engagements beginning with a ceremonial welcome at the Union Buildings, followed by bilateral talks between the two Heads of State.
The official programme indicates that the leaders will hold closed-door discussions focusing on trade, investment, regional cooperation, and continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The talks will be followed by the signing of memoranda of understanding and a joint media briefing where the two leaders are expected to outline key outcomes of their discussions.
Business Forum to boost trade and investment
A major highlight of the visit will be the South Africa–Kenya Business Forum scheduled to take place in Midrand, Johannesburg.
The forum is expected to bring together business leaders and investors from both countries to explore opportunities in key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
Officials say the engagement is aimed at unlocking greater private sector participation and deepening trade and investment flows between the two African economic powerhouses.
“The welcome ceremony will be followed by discussions between the Presidents and a Business Forum. The Business Forum will focus on deepening economic cooperation, facilitating business partnerships, and exploring strategies for unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries in mutually beneficial strategic sectors,” the statement read.
The visit comes at a time when African countries are increasingly pushing for stronger intra-continental trade and economic cooperation.
Kenya and South Africa, being among the continent’s largest economies, are expected to play a central role in advancing regional integration and strengthening Africa’s position in global markets.
Concerns over cost of Ruto’s foreign trips
The visit comes amid clamour over government expenditure, particularly following criticism of recent foreign and domestic travel arrangements involving the Head of State.
Concerns have been raised in political circles and among the public about the cost and optics of presidential mobility at a time when Kenyans are grappling with high living costs and fuel-related disruptions.
Earlier travel episodes have fuelled controversy over the use of chartered and military aircraft for presidential duties.
At different points, the president has been reported to use a Kenya Air Force Dash 8 for official regional travel and, on return legs, a private Embraer Legacy 650 jet linked to charter operations.
The aircraft is known for its premium cabin configuration, featuring multiple lounge zones, advanced entertainment systems, in-flight Wi-Fi, and high-end comfort fittings.
Industry estimates have previously placed charter costs for such aircraft at about Ksh 1.1 million per hour, with purchase prices for pre-owned models reaching approximately Ksh 2.3 billion, figures that have intensified public discussion about cost efficiency in state travel.
The debate has been further amplified by past long-haul trips, including visits to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Angola, and the United States, where charter arrangements reportedly ran into tens of millions of shillings.