List of Ruto’s foreign trips in 2026 and their purpose
President William Ruto is set to make another foreign trip, this time to France, on Monday night, June 15, 2026, where he will attend the G7 Summit as an invited leader representing Africa’s interests.
The summit, which will be held in Évian, France, will bring together leaders of the world’s major economies to discuss key global issues, including trade, investment, artificial intelligence, and international cooperation.
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According to a statement from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Monday, June 15, 2026, the president’s trip forms part of Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships with key global economies while advancing Africa’s development priorities on the international stage.
“President William Ruto departs later tonight for Evian, France, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron to participate in the G7 Leaders’ Summit, where he will represent Africa and advance the continent’s priorities before the world’s leading economies,” the statement reads.
Before the France trip, the president had undertaken a diplomatic tour covering South Africa and several European countries.
South Africa
Ruto travelled to South Africa for a three-day state visit from June 3 to 5, 2026, at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation on regional and continental issues.
Belgium, Norway and Finland
From June 7 to 11, 2026, the Head of State embarked on a European tour that included official visits to Belgium and Norway, as well as a State visit to Finland.
According to State House, the visits were aimed at attracting investment, expanding market access for Kenyan products, strengthening economic partnerships and creating jobs.
In Belgium, Ruto held discussions focused on trade, investment and strengthening Kenya–Belgium relations.
In Norway and Finland, the engagements centred on economic cooperation, technology, innovation, clean energy, education and expanding investment opportunities.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
Before his June diplomatic engagements, Ruto travelled to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan as part of Kenya’s broader international cooperation and economic diplomacy agenda.
In Azerbaijan, he visited from May 16 to May 18, 2026, before proceeding to Kazakhstan, where he continued his engagements from May 19 to May 20, 2026.
The visits focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation in strategic sectors.
The president returned to Kenya in late May 2026 before embarking on his state visit to South Africa.
Ruto defends foreign trips
As Ruto’s foreign travels continue to attract public debate, the Head of State once again defended his trips, insisting they are part of his responsibility as Kenya’s leader.
Speaking on Sunday, June 14, 2026, during a fundraiser at the SDA Church in Nkashura, Kajiado County, he said that his international engagements are aimed at advancing Kenya’s development agenda and securing opportunities that benefit citizens.
“Sometimes they ask why the president has travelled abroad or met leaders from different parts of the world. That is the job I was elected to do,” he said.
“Some say I am always travelling on holiday. If you want a holiday, go on holiday. My diary is booked six months ahead. Transforming this country requires hard work.”
