President William Ruto arrived at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday afternoon, marking the start of a significant four-day visit to the United States.
He was greeted by a welcoming committee that included Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
This visit, the first by an African leader in 15 years, aims to strengthen US-Kenya relations and attract investment. According to Statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto’s itinerary spans from Monday, May 20, to Thursday, May 23, and includes a meeting with President Joe Biden.
On Monday, President Ruto’s agenda in Atlanta includes a visit to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, highlighting the mutual commitment to governance and anti-corruption. He will also pay respects at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, a site emblematic of the civil rights struggle, and visit the CDC headquarters to discuss the US-Kenya health partnership. The day will conclude with a reception hosted by the Kenyan diaspora in Atlanta.
Tuesday’s schedule in Atlanta features a visit to Spelman College to underscore the importance of higher education in science and technology for attracting investments. President Ruto will then tour Tyler Perry Studios to explore creative economy opportunities and visit the Coca-Cola company to forge new investments. Additionally, he will inaugurate Vivo’s first store and attend a dinner hosted by Atlanta’s Mayor, Andre Dickens, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.
On Wednesday, President Ruto will travel to Washington, DC, where he will receive “full ceremonial state honors” and meet with a congressional delegation for discussions on Capitol Hill.
Thursday’s agenda includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington Cemetery to honor American soldiers and historic figures. Later, President Ruto will hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden to discuss development opportunities.
Statehouse spokesperson Mohamed highlighted that this invitation underscores the warm relations between the two nations, emphasizing their partnership in key areas such as defense cooperation, democracy, governance, civilian security, health, and multilateral and regional issues.
“It also reflects the strategic importance of Kenya to the US as the leading regional anchor and the main commercial gateway to East Africa,” he stated.
President Ruto’s visit marks the first state visit by a Kenyan head of state in two decades and the first by an African president since 2018.
