Inside Ruto’s diary as he begins US visit in Atlanta
President William Ruto arrived in Atlanta to initiate his inaugural segment of the State Visit to the US, marking the first visit by a Kenyan leader in over twenty years.
Touching down at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport just past 10am local time, President Ruto was greeted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and a contingent of American officials.
The State House in Nairobi had emphasized the significance of this State Visit, citing it as a testament to the strong alliance between Kenya and the United States, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties.
The celebration of these six decades will culminate in an official gathering at the White House’s southern lawns, where President Ruto will be hosted by President Joe Biden on Thursday.
Nairobi has outlined an extensive agenda for the four-day visit, encompassing topics such as economic development, trade, defense cooperation, democracy, governance, multilateral issues, regional concerns, and health collaboration.
However, President Ruto’s visit occurs amidst the backdrop of the ongoing 2024 Presidential election campaigns in the US, potentially influencing speeches or decisions made during this trip.
The US has pledged its support towards various fronts including governance, anti-corruption efforts, institutional strengthening, civil society, and press freedom, alongside economic empowerment initiatives and environmental conservation efforts, including the fight against climate change.
President Ruto’s itinerary includes a visit to the Carter Presidential Center, where he is slated to tour the Jimmy Carter Museum and participate in a plenary session focusing on the role of democracy in US-Kenya relations.
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Subsequently, the Head of State will visit the Center for Disease Control, headquartered in Atlanta, to explore further collaborations in combating diseases like TB, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS, with USAID being a pivotal partner in Kenya’s health sector.
On Wednesday, President Ruto will journey to Washington, DC, where he will be formally received by President Joe Biden. Discussions during this phase will encompass trade relations, climate initiatives, and leveraging the digital economy.
This visit by President Ruto is a continuation of the Africa Leaders’ Summit and the Africa Climate Summit, reflecting US efforts to solidify its role as a key partner in security matters within the Horn of Africa region.
According to the State Department, touring cities is part of the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering people-to-people cooperation and advancing American contributions to foreign policy objectives and societal exchanges with African partners.
A State Department spokesperson highlighted the significance of President Ruto’s visit to Atlanta, acknowledging the city’s growing global prominence and its pivotal role in advancing America’s journey towards a more inclusive democracy. They welcomed President Ruto’s engagements with civic leaders, emphasizing issues of democratic governance, people-to-people ties, public health partnerships, educational exchanges, investments in shared prosperity, and interactions with Atlanta’s African Diaspora.
Inside Ruto’s diary as he begins US visit in Atlanta
