President William Ruto jets out of the country tonight to attend the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Doha, Qatar.
In a statement on Monday, November 3, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said that the president will hold several key talks while in the Gulf. Mohamed did not, however, say when the president will be back in the country.
During the summit, the president is expected to deliver statements on behalf of Kenya and the African group, which will focus on financial systems, universal access to essential services, strengthened multilateral cooperation, and African representation at global organisations.
"President William Ruto departs this evening for Doha, Qatar, to strengthen economic partnerships, attract investment, and participate in the UN Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), which will focus on poverty reduction, decent work, and social inclusion," Mohamed said.
"At the summit, the President will deliver statements on behalf of Kenya and the Africa Group, calling for fair global financial systems, universal access to essential services, strengthened multilateral cooperation, and reforms that enhance African representation at global organisations and advance shared prosperity," Mohamed said.
During the summit, the president is also set to have a high-level meeting with world leaders, including Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.
The discussion with the Emir will focus on deepening the two countries' cooperation in trade, investment, and other strategic development initiatives.
According to Mohamed, the president will also push for the expansion of the Kenya-Qatari Bilateral labour agreements, which will ensure that more Kenyan youths secure employment in the Gulf country.
Ruto is also expected to engage with Qatari businesspeople to secure investment in some key sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, health, tourism, transport, and logistics.
"To expand youth employment and strengthen diaspora contribution, the President will pursue the expansion of the Kenya-Qatari Bilateral Labour Agreement to include more professional and technical roles and enhance training aligned with Qatar's labour market needs," Mohamed said.
"This will create new pathways for young Kenyans and support those already working in Qatar as they continue contributing to both economies," he added.
The trip comes almost two months after the president travelled to Yokohama, Japan, to attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
