NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto departed for Doha, Qatar, on Monday evening to strengthen Kenya’s economic partnerships, attract foreign investment, and participate in the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which will focus on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion.
According to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and other world leaders to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic development initiatives.
While in Qatar, the President is expected to seal key investment agreements to modernise Kenya’s infrastructure and advance flagship projects in the energy and transport sectors.
The talks are also expected to expand Qatari investment in areas such as agriculture, particularly food security and climate-smart farming, as well as renewable energy, green hydrogen, health, tourism, transport, and logistics.
President Ruto will also meet with Qatari business leaders to explore new public-private partnerships that could boost industrialisation and job creation back home.
To expand youth employment and strengthen Kenya’s diaspora contribution, the President will pursue the expansion of the Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Labour Agreement, which will include more professional and technical roles and enhance training opportunities for Kenyans in line with Qatar’s labour market needs.
“This will create new pathways for young Kenyans and support those already working in Qatar as they continue contributing to both economies,” the statement noted.
At the WSSD2 Summit, President Ruto will deliver statements on behalf of Kenya and the Africa Group, where he is expected to call for fairer global financial systems, universal access to essential services, and reforms that enhance African representation in global institutions.
The summit, which brings together global leaders, development experts, and policymakers, seeks to accelerate progress on social inclusion and sustainable development amid growing global inequalities.
