NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after her government became the longest-serving government in the history of the Italian Republic.
Meloni’s government completed 1,413 consecutive days in office on September 4, 2026, surpassing the previous post-war record held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
In a message dated September 7, Ruto described the milestone as a reflection of the confidence Italians have placed in Meloni’s leadership and her commitment to the country.
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on your Government becoming the longest-serving Government in the history of the Italian Republic,” Ruto said.
Meloni breaks Berlusconi’s record
Meloni took office on October 22, 2022, becoming Italy’s first female prime minister.
She leads a right-wing governing coalition comprising Brothers of Italy, the League and Forza Italia.
Her government’s 1,413-day run surpassed the previous post-war record of 1,412 days, set by Berlusconi’s second government between June 11, 2001, and April 23, 2005.
The milestone represents the longest uninterrupted cabinet in Italy since the Italian Republic was established in 1946.
Italy has experienced frequent changes of government since the Republic was founded, with administrations historically lasting considerably less than four years.
Meloni’s government has therefore stood out for its political durability, remaining in office without collapsing or undergoing a major reshuffle that would reset the record.
Meloni government highlights political stability
Meloni and her political allies have presented the government’s longevity as evidence of greater political stability in Italy.
The extended period in office has provided the coalition with more time to pursue longer-term policies and strengthen its position both domestically and internationally.
The achievement is particularly notable in a country known for frequent government changes since the Second World War.
Meloni’s continued leadership has also given her government greater visibility in European and international affairs as Italy seeks to strengthen its role on issues ranging from migration and security to economic development and relations with Africa.
Ruto highlights Kenya-Italy ties
Ruto used his congratulatory message to emphasise the growing relationship between Kenya and Italy.
The President said Kenya values its longstanding friendship with Italy and the expanding partnership between the two countries.
“Kenya greatly values the longstanding bonds of friendship and the growing partnership between our two countries, founded on mutual respect, shared values and common interests,” he said.
Ruto identified trade and investment, development cooperation and people-to-people ties as key areas in which the relationship between Kenya and Italy continues to deepen.
The message also builds on recent high-level diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Rome.
Ruto recalls Italy visit
The President recalled his official visit to Italy in April 2026, describing it as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
During the visit, Ruto held meetings with Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella on April 20 and 21.
Kenya and Italy also adopted an Italy-Kenya Action Plan for 2026–2029 and signed cooperation agreements covering areas including justice, defence, agriculture, infrastructure and vocational training.
The agreements are intended to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors while expanding economic and development ties between the two countries.
Kenya a priority under Mattei Plan
Kenya is also among the priority countries under Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, an Italian initiative aimed at deepening partnerships with African countries in areas such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, education and health.
The framework has provided another avenue for Kenya and Italy to expand their bilateral cooperation.
Ruto said Meloni’s political milestone provided an opportunity to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the Italian government.
“I reaffirm my commitment, and that of my Government, to working closely with Your Excellency to further strengthen our bilateral and multilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit and shared prosperity of our two peoples,” he said.
