President William Ruto has left the country for a two-day visit to Germany making it the second foreign trip in less than two weeks. This official visit is also his third since the country was breached by anti-government protests spearheaded by youths that saw him grounded for over a month.
The visit is likely to yield massive benefits for Kenyans in form of job creation, education, and economic development. State House also considers the trip to be a bond between Nairobi and Berlin after 60 years.
“In his tour, President Ruto will make several high-level engagements,” said State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed. “The activities are anticipated to yield concrete and direct benefits to Kenyans.
The schedule also includes bilateral meetings with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Green energy, climate action, digital cooperation, trade and investment, and skill development, together with regional peace, would be key issues in this regard.
In addition, President Ruto will attend Germany’s Citizens’ Festival-Bürgerfest-themed “Pamoja-Stronger Together.”
During this festival, Kenya will showcase her diverse rich cultural heritage, further cementing cultural exchange.
Kenya is privileged to join as the profile partner country for the festival, a novelty given that this is the first time such an honor has been extended to a non-European country.
“The event will raise the profile of Kenyan culture in Germany,” added State House. “It would encourage the appreciation of culture and ensure tourism flows.”
In the last financial year, Kenya received 23.2 percent more tourists from Germany, up from 66,064 to 81,359. The festival organizers aim to have the numbers increased further.
The President will also be signing the “Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement” with Germany.
The deal will provide a framework of cooperation on labor mobility, apprenticeships, student training, and employment. It addresses worker welfare and simplifies the process for citizen readmission and return.
President Ruto will later join a CEO’s Forum where he will be accompanied by top German business executives, among them Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises.
The forum aims at boosting Kenya and Germany trade and investment ties.
“This visit reiterates ties between the two nations and opens new avenues of cooperation,” the Spokesperson concluded.
