Ruto hosts African leaders at State House ahead of summit

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President William Ruto on Sunday, Mayb10, held a series of bilateral meetings at State House, Nairobi with visiting African leaders ahead of the Africa Forward Summit set to begin on Monday.

The talks focused on trade, diplomacy, regional cooperation and reforms to the global financial system.

Among the leaders hosted was Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, with the two Heads of State agreeing to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between their countries. 

Following the discussions, President Ruto announced that Kenya would open an embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and appoint its first-ever ambassador to the West African nation.

“Our discussions focused on strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two nations,” Ruto said.

He also welcomed President Ouattara’s commitment to establish diplomatic representation in Nairobi, saying the move would unlock opportunities in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Ruto further held talks with Liberian President Joseph Boakai, where  discussions centred on cooperation in agriculture, education, technology and trade.

“Our discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, education and technology as we work to unlock opportunities for our citizens and countries,” he said. 

He noted that Kenya and Liberia remain aligned on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), climate action, and regional peace and security initiatives.

The President also hosted Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, describing relations between the two countries as strong and anchored on pan-Africanism, mutual respect and regional stability.

Ruto said the summit provides an opportunity for African leaders to exchange views on key continental issues, including reform of the international financial architecture, global governance and climate action.

He also met African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah, with discussions focusing on Africa’s financial independence and development financing.

“Kenya fully supports the Bank’s drive to unlock Africa’s potential through the New African Financial Architecture Framework,” he said.

During the meetings, Ruto also sought support for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u’s candidature for the position of judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Africa Forward Summit begins Monday in Nairobi and is expected to bring together more than 30 African Heads of State, global investors, policymakers and development partners to discuss jobs, investment, innovation and sustainable development across the continent.