State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed on Sunday, January 28, announced that President William Ruto was departing for Rome, Italy.
According to a communique from the State House, the President will be joining 20 African Heads of State for the Italy-Africa Summit.
President William Ruto had earlier remarked that during the sidelines of the summit, he would seek financing for stalled dam projects in the country.
“The summit, whose theme is "A Bridge for Common Growth," will bring together 20 African Heads of State and Government to discuss crucial areas of collaboration,” the statement read in part.
Some of the areas of collaboration to be discussed include; food security, culture, education, vocational training, and energy security.
Other areas that African Heads of State will seek support from Italy are economic and infrastructure development, as well as combating human trafficking and terrorism.
Hussein Mohammed remarked that owing to Ruto's capacity as the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), the President would deliver an address on energy security during the summit.
Separately, Ruto will hold discussions with Italy President Sergio Mattarella on mutual areas of cooperation between the two nations.
“The leaders will review agreements reached during President Mattarella's State Visit to Kenya last year and in subsequent meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni,” the agenda of the meeting was revealed.
Italy has been partnering with Kenya in projects across different sectors including environmental conservation and climate change resilience.
Kenya has also been receiving funds from Italy for the construction of the Aror and Kimwarer dams as well as support in education, health, energy and culture initiatives.
Ruto will also take advantage of his time in Europe to engage World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials.
The two institutions have been the largest financiers of Ruto’s development projects.
