The president arrives at the 81st UN General Assembly with an economic agenda centred on energy, infrastructure and Africa’s role in artificial intelligence
By MKT Reporter
President William Ruto arrived in New York yesterday accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he will lead a broad push to attract investment into Kenya’s energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology sectors.
Central to Ruto’s agenda is the KSh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery project in Lamu, a landmark development expected to create more than 60,000 jobs and scheduled to break ground on September 30. The project represents one of the most significant industrial undertakings in the region’s recent history.
Ruto will co-chair investment roundtables alongside Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as Kenya seeks to position itself as the continent’s premier destination for capital. He will also use the platform to press for a stronger African voice in artificial intelligence governance and in global financial institutions, arguing that the continent must shape the rules of emerging technologies rather than simply adopt them.
The visit comes amid growing recognition of Ruto’s diplomatic engagement on the international stage, as well as fresh momentum behind Africa-financing-Africa frameworks that seek to reduce dependence on external development funding.
Some of the moments as captured in pictures
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