May 22, 2024
President William Ruto, concluding the first leg of his State Visit to the United States, has called on private and public sectors to explore mutually beneficial partnerships. As part of his tour, he arrived in Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to meet with prominent U.S. leaders including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. Additionally, he will address a Black Caucus at the Library of Congress.
Washington, D.C., is abuzz with activity, with American and Kenyan flags lining the streets in anticipation of Ruto’s visit. On Thursday, the President will attend a State Visit at the White House.
Earlier, in Atlanta, Georgia, President Ruto urged the U.S. business community to invest in Kenya’s diverse opportunities, highlighting sectors such as renewable energy, housing, manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT. During a meeting with Fortune 500 CEOs, he emphasized that investing in Kenya promises substantial returns, leveraging the longstanding Kenya-U.S. relationship based on shared values of democracy, freedom, and enterprise.
Ruto also announced a significant investment by Coca-Cola, which will inject KSh 23 billion ($175 million) into expanding its operations in Kenya over the next five years. “This investment is a milestone for Coca-Cola’s presence in Kenya and Africa, underscoring the importance of our strong collaboration,” he stated.
The President praised the inclusion of Made in Kenya brands at the New Vivo Fashion Group Retail Store in Atlanta, describing it as a testament to African businesses supporting each other on the global stage.
At Spelman College, a new education partnership was signed to promote student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and innovation, advancing Kenya’s Silicon Savannah ambitions. Additionally, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters, President Ruto witnessed the signing of MoUs to develop a Sustainability Roadmap for Kenya’s HIV Programme and to operationalize the Kenya National Public Health Institute.
Ruto highlighted the critical role of the U.S. in Kenya’s healthcare sector and expressed intentions to expand this partnership, focusing on infrastructure, research, and local vaccine manufacturing.
The President also engaged with the Kenyan diaspora at the Cobb Galleria Centre, held discussions with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and toured Tyler Perry Studios, concluding a busy and productive leg of his U.S. visit.
