President William Ruto is set to depart the country on Sunday for a three-day State visit to Italy, following an official invitation from Sergio Mattarella.
During the visit, Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding trade and investment opportunities between Kenya and Italy.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is already in Italy ahead of the trip, confirmed that preparations are complete. He said the visit will prioritise enhancing cooperation, aligning development goals, and unlocking new economic opportunities.
Mudavadi noted that expected outcomes include securing financing for priority projects, signing new Memoranda of Understanding, and accelerating existing bilateral agreements aimed at delivering tangible benefits to Kenyans.
The visit will also serve to promote Kenyan exports and position the country as a key destination for Italian investment across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.
Ahead of the trip, Mudavadi held a high-level preparation meeting with senior government officials, including Ambassador Fredrick Matwanga, Joseph Busiega, Josephat Nanok, and other top administrators.
Last week, during a tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, President Ruto revealed that part of his agenda in Italy will include negotiating approximately Sh1 billion in funding to upgrade Nyamira County Hospital.
While in Italy, the President is expected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Piazza Venezia. He will later meet President Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace for a State luncheon before holding talks with Prime Minister Meloni at Palazzo Chigi.
Ruto will also address a high-level session of the Kenya–Italy Business Forum and later meet Kenyans living in Italy.
On the final day of his visit, the President will engage with top industry leaders, including Claudio Descalzi, CEO of ENI, and Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD. He will also meet Lorenzo Fontana at the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament.
The trip will conclude with Ruto attending the “Growing Together Through Partnership” event hosted by Harmonica Innovation Group and delivering a lecture at LUISS University.
The visit underscores Kenya’s push to deepen international partnerships and attract foreign investment amid growing economic demands.
