President William Ruto on Monday, May 20, arrived in the United States of America to begin a three-day state visit
President Ruto was accompanied by his wife Mama Rachel Ruto when he landed at the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia at around 6 PM Kenyan time.
The Head of State is expected to deliver a speech on Governance at Carter Presidential Library and also engage the Kenyan diaspora.
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"He will be at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta Georgia to deliver a speech on Governance and democratic values, anti-corruption, democracies working together," State House said in a statement.
This is the first state visit by a Kenyan Head of State in two decades, as well as the first by an African Head of State since 2008.
On the other hand, the First Lady is expected to prioritise economic empowerment partnerships and the creation of opportunities for higher learning and skill development for the youth.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement welcoming President Ruto and his wife to the US.
"The United States warmly welcomes President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya to Atlanta, Georgia, today. The visit to Atlanta is the first segment of Kenya’s diplomatic engagement with the United States and will be followed by a State Visit to Washington, D.C. on May 23. United States Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa highlights the contribution American cities make to U.S. foreign policy and the mutual benefits of expanded societal exchanges with our African partners.
"President Ruto’s visit to Atlanta reflects the city’s growing global importance and underscores its central role in America’s progress towards a more inclusive democracy. I welcome President Ruto’s engagements with civic leaders on issues of democratic governance while in Atlanta, as well as his focus on our people-to-people ties, public health partnerships, educational exchanges, investments in shared prosperity, and his engagements with Atlanta’s African Diaspora," the statement reads in part.