Kenyan presidential domestic and foreign policy initiatives

President William Ruto has focused on domestic healthcare and international economic diplomacy. Domestically, during a visit to Bomet County, the President addressed maternal mortality rates, noting that approximately 16 women die daily from pregnancy-related causes in Kenya. He also defended the administration’s stance on foreign investment, stating that citizens from the East African Community, Comesa, and AfCFTA are permitted to invest and work in Kenya according to national regulations.

On the international stage, Ruto traveled to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to promote Kenyan investment and digital initiatives. A primary focus of his visit is the proposed Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a project expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, enhance regional energy security, and create over 60,000 jobs. Ruto is scheduled to co-chair investment roundtables with industrialist Aliko Dangote through the Africa Finance Corporation and the Global Africa Business Initiative.

Additionally, the President is promoting an “Africa-financing-Africa” approach to leverage the continent’s $4 trillion in domestic assets for development. He continues to advocate for Kenya’s role in the global digital and AI economy, including the AI Middle Powers Initiative. On the sidelines of the summit, Ruto unveiled the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform. This digital initiative, involving the United Nations and Equity Group Holdings, aims to formalize strategic investments and connect Kenyans living abroad to national development opportunities and community projects.