President William Ruto will arrive in the United States of America (USA) this evening to begin a three-day state visit at President Joe Biden's invitation.
According to State House officials, the plane carrying the president and his entourage is expected to touch down at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 10:30 AM (American time) – approximately 5:30 PM (Kenyan time).
Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said President Ruto will kick off his tour with a meeting at The Carter Center, where he has been invited to speak about democratic values and anti-corruption efforts.
He also said that his remarks underscored the importance of democracies working collaboratively to tackle global challenges.
“This visit is historic as it is the first State Visit by a Kenyan Head of State in two decades and the first by an African Head of State since 2008.”
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The president’s visit highlights bilateral talks with his host, Biden, at the White House.
The Head of State will also visit Ebenezer Baptist Church to honor the civil rights struggle and emphasize the respect for historical struggles for equality and justice.
The day’s third engagement will focus on the U.S.-Kenya Health Partnership at the CDC Headquarters, where key announcements will be made, including a new CDC-KEMRI partnership.
Later, Kenyans living in Atlanta will host the President and First Lady, highlighting the diaspora’s role in national transformation.
On the second day, President Ruto will visit Spelman College to discuss the critical role of higher education in enhancing Kenya’s human capital development, which is crucial for attracting investments.
At Tyler Perry Studios, President Ruto will explore opportunities within the creative economy and highlight the sector as a major job creator.
He will then visit Coca-Cola to announce new investment partnerships and launch VIVO’s inaugural store in America, showcasing the power of Kenyan women entrepreneurs.
Further, Ruto will also meet with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta CEO’s Council to promote Kenya as a regional manufacturing hub.
On Wednesday, May 22, the President and First Lady will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will be officially received with full ceremonial state honors.
In Washington, President Ruto will engage with a bipartisan congressional delegation, meet the Black Congressional Caucus, and hold discussions with a Bipartisan Caucus of the Senate. He will brief legislators on the challenges faced by African democracies and urge Congress to extend the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).
President Ruto and the First Lady will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honor American soldiers and historic figures who have impacted Kenya’s history.
He will then hold bilateral meetings with President Biden to discuss Kenya-US economic, health, and security partnerships, and regional developments.
