Details of President Ruto's Meeting with Barack Obama

President William Ruto on Thursday, May 23, held talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.

The two leaders exchanged views on democratic developments, climate, and peace and security challenges in Africa.

Kenya's Head of State termed the meeting a “productive engagement”.

“We reviewed opportunities available to Africa’s young and dynamic demographic in tech, innovation, higher and technical education,” said President Ruto.

They also exchanged ideas on how Kenya and Africa can leverage U.S. institutions and technological capacity to advance its interests.

President Ruto ends the four-day State visit to the US after signing several deals during his visit. 

Among the deals signed during the visit include investment by several US companies to Kenya including Coca-cola which will invest Sh23 billion in Kenya over the next five years. 

At the same time, Ruto secured $3.6 billion (Sh477 billion) in funding from the US for the construction of the 440-kilometer Nairobi-Mombasa Usahihi Expressway.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) signed the Sh477 billion agreement with Everstrong Capital LLC authorizing the full development rights to Everstrong Capital and its partners.

The investment of Sh 477 billion in the project will be led by American Development Finance Institutions and significant investments from Kenyan private sector investors and pension funds. 

Several other deals in different sectors were signed.