President William Ruto departed Nairobi on Monday evening for Doha, Qatar, where he is expected to hold high-level talks aimed at expanding Kenya’s economic partnerships and securing new investment deals.
During the visit, the President will also attend the UN’s Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), a global forum focusing on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion.
According to a statement from State House, President Ruto will meet Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss ways of deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure. The talks are expected to conclude with agreements targeting the modernisation of Kenya’s transport and energy sectors.
The two leaders will also explore joint ventures in agriculture, with an emphasis on food security and climate-smart farming, as well as renewable energy, green hydrogen, health, tourism, and logistics.
Beyond government-level engagements, Ruto is set to meet Qatari business leaders to promote public-private partnerships and attract long-term investments into Kenya.
A key part of the President’s mission is labour cooperation. Ruto is expected to push for an expanded Kenya-Qatar Bilateral Labour Agreement to include more professional and technical roles. The move, officials say, could open new employment pathways for young Kenyans while improving protections for those already working in the Gulf state.
At the UN summit, Ruto will deliver statements on behalf of Kenya and the Africa Group. His address is expected to call for reforms to global financial systems, stronger multilateral cooperation, and fairer representation for African countries in international institutions.
The Doha summit, convened under the United Nations framework, brings together heads of state, development agencies, and global business leaders to discuss coordinated action on social and economic challenges affecting developing nations.
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