State House highlights details of Ruto's two-day visit to India

President William Ruto has embarked on a two-day state visit to India with the focus being partnerships in health and education sectors.

Ruto’s tour comes following his “successful” address at the UN Climate Summit (COP 28) in Dubai where he advocated for Kenya and Africa's climate agenda.

During his tour, the head of state will hold bilateral talks with his host Narendra Modi.

“The discussions will span crucial areas such as agriculture, trade, and investment promotion, forging healthcare partnerships, particularly in pharmaceutical production and capacity building,” Statehouse spokesman Hussein Mohamed said in a statement sent to newsrooms.

Other areas will be collaboration in education, ICT, maritime affairs, and renewable energy.

The talks will lead to the signing of several memoranda of understanding that will strengthen the partnership between the two nations, he added.

Ruto will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, and address a trade and investment forum highlighting the immense potential for economic cooperation between the two countries.

The State visit, he noted, marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Kenya and India, providing a platform for collaborative initiatives and contributing to mutual benefits.

It is Ruto's first visit to the country as the head of state and happens following the invitation of Murmu.

He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on December 5.

Murmu will also host a State banquet in his honor.

On Friday, Ruto thanked PM Modi for ensuring that the African Union (AU) becomes a permanent member of G20.

“India has made a very huge contribution. We want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making sure that Africa became a permanent member of the G20 during his presidency. And we will be having further conversations with him,” Ruto told ANI.