President William Ruto on Thursday held talks with retired US president Barack Obama on the sidelines of his three-day State Visit to the United States.
President Ruto said the talks with the immediate former US Head of State centred on democratic developments, climate change, peace and security challenges in Africa.
"I have had a productive engagement with the Former President of the United States of America Barack Obama. We exchanged views on democratic developments, climate and peace and security challenges in Africa,'' Ruto posted on his X account.
The meeting happened at the Blair House, Washington, D.C., USA, hours before President Ruto's official reception at the White House.
President Ruto said the meeting also reviewed opportunities for Africa's young and dynamic demographic in tech, innovation, and higher and technical education.
Ruto said the engagement saw them exchange ideas on how Kenya and Africa can leverage U.S. institutions and technological capacity to advance its interests.
Obama expressed his gratitude on seeing President Ruto saying it was good to see him again.
"Habari?" Obama greeted Ruto.
"Mzuri sana," the President replied as he asked Obama how he had been since they met.
"Everything is going well so far," Obama said. He welcomed President Ruto to Washington DC.
Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was born to a Kenyan father.
In 2015, Obama became the first sitting US president to visit Kenya.
Ruto was then serving as Deputy President to Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Obama's last visit to Kenya was in July 2018, after he left office paving the way for Donald Trump to assume the reigns of power.
Ruto was on Thursday accorded full military honours complete with a 21 Gun Salute during the State Arrival Ceremony held at the White House, Washington DC.
The President and First Lady Rachel Ruto were welcomed at the event by President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden.
