President William Ruto is set to depart the country on Monday evening for the United States to attend the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
According to a communique by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the three-day summit runs between December 13 and 15, offering an opportunity for African leaders to shape the continent’s partnership with the US in a range of sectors including trade, the economy, security and political relations.
The summit’s main priority is to scale up measures that support resilience and recovery from the effects of COVID-19, and the climate crisis that has seen the continent suffer disproportionate consequences.
The US is one of the largest export destinations for Kenyan products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and a leading partner for Kenya’s development agenda as well as regional peace, security and multi-lateral cooperation.
In strengthening Kenya’s bilateral and economic ties with the US, President Ruto will advocate the conclusion of the Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement and support African countries’ push to expand US-Africa trade relations through the renewal of AGOA.
The President will deliver a statement on “The Future of Africa’s Trade and Investment Relations with the US”, and address the summit on partnering in Agenda 2063, specifically on A Peaceful and Secure Africa.
Ruto will also engage the private sector and pitch for expanded partnerships in trade and investments, better access of Kenyan products to the US market and the creation of jobs and other opportunities for Kenyans.
