William Samoei Ruto, PhD

The international community must pay attention to Africa. Our continent is central to the future of global growth and shared prosperity. With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a youthful population, and abundant natural and mineral resources, Africa is uniquely positioned to help drive the next era of global expansion. But Africa is not seeking partnerships built on the extraction of raw materials for processing elsewhere. We seek a different model of growth, one that creates value on our continent. Let us process our minerals in Africa, manufacture in Africa, build industries in Africa, and create jobs in Africa, while sharing the benefits through partnerships that create prosperity for both Africa and our global partners. A stronger Africa will mean stronger supply chains, larger markets, greater investment opportunities and more resilient global growth. Africa’s success is a global opportunity, and the future of prosperity will be shaped by what we build together. Highlighted Africa’s central role in the future of global growth during the G7+ Working Session on Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All in Évian, France.

I had the honour of participating in the G7+ working session on “Reviving Balanced and Shared Growth for All,” where I argued that Africa is central to the future of global growth. I called on the G7 and the wider international community to partner with Africa in creating value on the continent, unlocking opportunities for shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Kenya and the Republic of Korea continue to deepen cooperation in trade, ICT, energy and agriculture. Met President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, where we reviewed progress following the establishment of permanent offices for the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nairobi, strengthening support for investment, infrastructure and development cooperation. We further advanced discussions on preferential market access for Kenyan products, including tea and coffee, and explored expanding our bilateral labour arrangement to create more opportunities for Kenyans, including opening pathways for Kenyan teachers to work in South Korea. I also welcomed yesterday’s signing of the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Certificates for Seafarers between Kenya and the Republic of Korea, which will enhance employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers in the global maritime industry.

On the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit, I held discussions with OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman on opportunities to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. We explored potential collaboration through establishing Nairobi as the home of the first OpenAI Academy initiative in Eastern Africa, expanding AI education, strengthening digital skills, supporting educators and learners, and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading hub for AI talent and innovation. I underscored the importance of harnessing emerging technologies to create opportunities for young people, drive innovation and ensure Africa plays a meaningful role in shaping the future digital economy.

With fellow leaders on the third and final day of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, engaging in discussions on shared global priorities and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development, economic growth and international cooperation.

Kenya and the European Union are united by shared values and a shared ambition: building prosperity that is inclusive, green, and sustainable. Held productive talks with H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and we agreed to deepen our partnership in three strategic areas: expanding trade through our landmark Economic Partnership Agreement to open markets, attract investment, and create jobs; advancing data adequacy to position Kenya as a trusted digital partner for seamless and secure data flows; and leveraging the Global Gateway initiative to channel investment into the infrastructure, energy, and connectivity that will power Kenya’s transformation. This is a partnership of equals, measured not by aid, but by what we build, invest, and achieve together. Make it in Kenya. Make it clean. Sell it to Africa, Europe, and the world.

We value the longstanding relations between Kenya and India and remain committed to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of our people. Held talks with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. We reaffirmed our commitment to deepening bilateral ties and working together in multilateral forums to advance the aspirations of the Global South, including inclusive growth, sustainable development and a more equitable international order.

A memorable evening at La Source Vive, where four international artists and a children's choir came together for a stirring musical performance for Heads of Delegation and their spouses attending the G7+ Summit at the Évian Resort. Set within the elegant atmosphere of the theatre and illuminated by the warmth of the evening, the performance transcended borders, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of culture to bring people together.

Kenya supports efforts to advance a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter. We believe lasting peace is best secured through cooperation, adherence to international law and a stronger, more representative global system. Held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. We reviewed progress in Kenya–Ukraine relations and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture and food security. We also agreed to fast-track plans for the establishment of a grain hub at the Port of Mombasa to strengthen regional food security and help address supply shortages across East Africa.

The World Bank has been an important partner in Kenya’s development, supporting investments that are improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening resilience. As we advance our development agenda, Kenya will continue to work closely with the World Bank to accelerate progress on our national priorities and deliver better outcomes for our people. Held talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. We discussed advancing Kenya’s development priorities and mobilising greater investment for sustainable and inclusive growth. I also welcomed the World Bank’s support for reforms to the international financial architecture that will expand access to capital, strengthen resilience and better reflect the realities and aspirations of developing countries.

I had the honour and privilege of delivering the lead intervention during the G7+ working session on “Fostering New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity.” Speaking on behalf of Africa, I called for a new paradigm in global relations- one grounded not in hierarchy, but in sovereign equality; not in aid alone, but in mutual benefit and shared prosperity. Africa seeks neither dependency nor patronage. We seek partnership. Not as beneficiaries, but as equals. Not as spectators, but as co-authors of a shared future.

Kenya and Germany enjoy strong diplomatic relations founded on shared interests. We are deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development, for the benefit of our peoples. Our bilateral labour agreement continues to expand access to quality jobs for our professionals. Held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.

Officially received in Évian-les-Bains, France, for the 2026 G7 Summit by President @EmmanuelMacron.

Arrived in Évian-les-Bains, France, with First Lady @MamaRachelRuto for the G7 Summit.

For far too long, whenever Kenyans have exercised their constitutional and democratic rights to assemble, picket, demonstrate and petition, the outcome has too often been marked by violence, injury, loss of life, destruction of property, bitterness, and division. In some instances, the response of our security agencies to public demonstrations has involved excessive force, resulting in further violations of rights and, tragically, the loss of innocent lives. For decades, successive generations of leaders have condemned these tragedies. Yet, despite those condemnations, we have not fundamentally resolved this challenge largely because it is neither simple nor easy to do. Today, we have chosen to act. We do so because the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of undertaking the difficult but necessary work of reform. At State House Nairobi, received the report on the Framework for Compensation and Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations During Protests and Picketing prepared by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

This marks the beginning of an important national journey, one that we initiated through the National Dialogue Committee in 2023, together with the late Right Honourable Raila Odinga, with the shared objective of addressing long-standing grievances, strengthening our democracy, and fostering national unity and reconciliation.