President William Ruto is set to depart the country on Thursday, September 12, 2024, evening for a significant two-day official visit to Germany.
In a press statement, Statehouse Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said Ruto’s visit aims to bolster the longstanding relations between Kenya and Germany, which have spanned over 60 years, focusing on cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties.
“President William Ruto will leave the country this evening for a two-day official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany. This visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relations between Kenya and Germany spanning over 60 years and is aimed at strengthening cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties. During his visit, President Ruto will engage in several high-profile activities expected to yield real, tangible and immediate benefits to the people of Kenya,” the press statement read in part.
A highlight of President Ruto’s itinerary will be the signing of the Kenya-Germany Agreement on Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, employment, and citizen readmission.
The visit is expected to yield immediate benefits for Kenya, including increased employment opportunities for youth and enhanced educational exchanges between the two nations. Kenya, honoured as the profile partner country for this year’s Annual Citizens’ Festival in Germany, will showcase its rich cultural heritage on an international stage for the first time.
During his visit, President Ruto will engage in bilateral discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz. These discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in green energy, digital technology, trade and investment, skills development, and regional security.
Additionally, President Ruto will participate in a CEO’s Forum aimed at fostering trade and investment opportunities between Kenyan and German businesses. Key German companies such as Mercedes Benz and YouTube are expected to participate, highlighting Germany’s significant role as a leading investor in Kenya.
“The CEOs of major companies such as Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises are expected to participate in the forum. Germany is a leading foreign direct investor given the presence of over 100 German companies in the country, with investments worth Ksh150 billion. Nairobi hosts the largest office globally for the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the regional office of Germany’s top trade promotion agency, AHK,” Mohamed added.
According to Mohamed, the visit underscores Kenya’s strategic position as a prime destination for foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy.
“It reaffirms the strong bilateral ties between Kenya and Germany while opening new avenues for cooperation that are expected to benefit both nations economically and culturally,” he said.
