President Ruto to leave the country for US

President William Ruto makes his address during the 59th Jamhuri day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium on December 12, 2022. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

President William Ruto will leave the country on Monday evening for a three-day US-Africa summit.

During his visit, the president is expected to make a statement on "The Future of Africa's Trade and Investment Relations with the US", and address the summit on partnering in Agenda 2063.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, in a statement on Monday, said president Ruto will also engage the private sector and pitch for expanded partnerships in trade and investments.

He will also seek better access of Kenyan products to the United States market and the creation of jobs and other opportunities for Kenyans.

"In strengthening Kenya's bilateral and economic ties with the US, President Ruto will advocate the conclusion of the Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement and support African countries' push to expand US-Africa trade relations through the renewal of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)," said Mohammed in a statement.

The summit will offer an opportunity for African leaders to shape the continent's partnership with the United States in a range of sectors including trade, the economy, security and political relations.