President William Ruto is scheduled to address a joint
sitting of Parliament on Thursday, November 20, 2025, in what will be his
annual State of the Nation Address.
According to an official notice issued on Wednesday and
signed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason
Kingi, the session will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the National Assembly Chamber at
the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
“Following a notification by His Excellency Hon. William
Samoei Ruto, PhD., C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and
Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Speaker of the National
Assembly, and the Speaker of the Senate have convened a special sitting of the
Houses of Parliament to be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 commencing at
2.30 p.m. for purposes of the President's address.
“Members of Parliament and the general public are hereby
notified that a Special Sitting of Parliament shall be held in the National
Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Building, Nairobi, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2.30 pm,” the notice reads in part.
The special sitting has been convened in line with Standing
Order 22(2) of the National Assembly and Standing Order 25(2) of the Senate,
which stipulate the procedures for notifying legislators about the date, time,
and venue of such sessions.
The annual address, delivered under Article 132(1) of the
Constitution, provides an opportunity for the President to outline government
priorities, review policy implementation, and report on the progress made
toward national values and international commitments.
The Constitution requires the Head of State to report to the
nation once every year on the measures taken and progress achieved in realizing
national values as set out in Article 10.
The President must also submit to the National Assembly a
report for debate on the fulfillment of Kenya’s international obligations.
President Ruto last addressed Parliament on November 24,
2024, during a politically charged period marked by the impeachment of former
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
This year’s address comes against a backdrop of heightened
regional tensions and domestic reflection.
The arrest and detention of Kenyan activists in neighbouring
East African countries have sparked growing concern about cross-border human
rights violations.
The address also follows the death of former Prime Minister
Raila Odinga, whose passing a month ago remains a profound loss to the nation
and continues to shape Kenya’s political discourse.
President Ruto is expected to use the occasion to highlight
key achievements of his administration as it marks three years in office.
He is also anticipated to outline strategies aimed at
strengthening national security, promoting unity, and advancing the
government’s economic transformation agenda.
The annual session is among the most significant events in
Kenya’s political calendar, drawing attendance from lawmakers, diplomats, and
the public, as the President sets the tone for the country’s policy direction
in the year ahead.
