NEW YORK, United States- President William Ruto has arrived in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to advance Kenya’s investment agenda and campaign for a stronger African role in the global economy.
Ruto said his visit would focus on attracting capital from African and international investors while expanding Kenya’s trade and investment partnerships.
“Arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly to advance Kenya’s investment drive, attract African and global capital, and strengthen Africa’s role in the digital and AI economy,” the President said.
He identified energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology as priority sectors in Kenya’s investment campaign.
According to Ruto, attracting capital into the sectors would support economic growth, create employment opportunities and open new markets for Kenyan farmers and businesses.
“Our focus is clear as we expand trade and investment and drive growth in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology, creating jobs and opportunities for Kenyans and opening new markets for our farmers and businesses,” he said.
The President is expected to participate in high-level meetings involving heads of state, government officials, international organisations and private-sector representatives attending the annual gathering.
Kenya’s agenda at the assembly also includes discussions on United Nations reforms, international peace and security, climate financing, digital cooperation and economic diplomacy.
The 81st session of the General Assembly opened on September 8, with the high-level week bringing world leaders to the UN headquarters in New York.
The United Nations says the session will focus on strengthening international cooperation amid continuing global economic, humanitarian, technological and security challenges.
Digital governance and artificial intelligence are among the issues expected to feature prominently in discussions during the session.
Ruto has repeatedly called for African countries to participate more actively in shaping global policies on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
He has also urged international investors to view Africa as an investment destination, citing the continent’s youthful population, natural resources, expanding markets and growing digital economy.
During his engagements in New York, the President is expected to promote Kenya as a regional investment hub and seek partnerships intended to support domestic production, value addition and access to international markets.
