President William Ruto is to assume the chair of the COMESA Authority today, during the 24th Heads of State and Government Summit at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre. It is a symbolic moment, steeped in regional ambition and political theatre.
COMESA’s Authority is its highest decision-making body, comprised of heads of state from its 21 member nations. It sets the bloc’s general direction and policy, usually reaching decisions by consensus.
He will take over from Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who has led the body this past year. The handover, scheduled as part of the summit, follows several days of preparatory meetings involving ministers, business leaders and development partners.
Setting the Stage
The summit had its start earlier in the week. On Monday, the COMESA–EU Horticulture Connect convened, bringing together African small and medium enterprises and European buyers to discuss export opportunities. That was followed by a business forum and exhibition, gathering more than 300 entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.
Midweek, foreign ministers met to assess peace and security across the region. Dr Oita Etyang, head of COMESA’s Governance, Peace and Security Unit, confirmed that a detailed report had been delivered and would inform future interventions.
Thursday marks the summit’s culmination — and the transfer of leadership. With Ruto now set to chair the authority for one year, attention will turn to his priorities.
Kenya’s Ambitions and Skeptics
From Kenya’s perspective, the moment is both prestige and responsibility. Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said the country would press for more open borders, smoother trade procedures and regional market access. “We want to trade, open our borders … and allow Kenyans to trade and do business,” he declared in a recent interview.
At the same time, Kenya is positioning itself as a stronger actor under the broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), hoping to influence value chains and investment flows.
Successfully navigating those obstacles will demand more than lofty promises.
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