President William Ruto has departed the country for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is expected to participate in a crucial engagement alongside other world leaders.
Ruto's departure was confirmed on the afternoon of Sunday, July 17, by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, who revealed the Head of State would be taking part in the Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.
This trip makes it his second international trip in the space of one month, following his overtures to Seville in Spain and London, England, late last month.
The event is a key global platform for addressing food systems and will provide a crucial opportunity for Ruto to affirm Kenya's commitment to transforming food systems in a way that supports sustainable development.
President Ruto is expected to deliver Kenya's national statement, highlighting the country's efforts in addressing critical issues surrounding food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
''He will also engage in a series of high-level thematic meetings with global leaders, development partners, and the private sector,'' a statement from State House read.
Since Kenya has been at the forefront of championing climate adaptation initiatives in Africa, President Ruto is expected to emphasise the need for collective action to build resilient food systems that can withstand environmental and socio-economic challenges in the future.
The President is also expected to engage in high-level meetings with several global leaders, development partners, and key players from the private sector.
Also in the President's itinerary is bilateral talks with leaders, including Ethiopia's Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed; Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni; and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. The discussions will mainly focus on bilateral ties between Kenya and these nations.
This is the second trip Ruto is embarking on in less than a month, as it comes just weeks after official visits in Spain and the United Kingdom.
In London, President Ruto signed the renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025–2030 in the presence of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
While in Spain, the Head of State participated in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, a high-level global forum convening world leaders to define new principles for development financing.
Prior to that engagement, the President flew to Beijing in April 2025 for a four-day State visit.
The President's first trip of the year was in Accra Ghana , where he attended the inauguration of his Ghanaian counterpart, John Mahama.
