By Bonface Mulyungi
President William Ruto has arrived in Rome, Italy, for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and boosting trade, investment and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ruto’s official programme began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Piazza Venezia, a tradition observed by visiting heads of state.
He later held talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella before proceeding for engagements with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Speaking after the talks, Meloni said Kenya and Italy had agreed to bring together areas of cooperation under a three-year action plan.
“We have decided to join together all the different fronts where we cooperate and today with this state visit we wanted to launch a three-year action plan to support our joint action,” she said, adding that Kenya is among the most dynamic economies and that bilateral trade continues to grow.Ruto said the visit builds on six decades of relations between Kenya and Italy and outlined areas he said will be prioritised, including value addition and job creation.
He also said Kenya intends to tap into the digital space and artificial intelligence as part of strengthening infrastructure, insisting the country should not be left behind.
“I want to underscore agreements signed today… so far eight grants,” Ruto said, thanking Italy for support targeting arid and semi-arid lands, the Cherangany forest restoration programme, peace and security training, and research, innovation and training of professionals.
Several memoranda of understanding and cross-sector agreements were signed during the visit.While in Rome, the President is also expected to attend the Kenya-Italy Business Forum, where Kenya will pitch investment opportunities in infrastructure, irrigation and energy.
He is also expected to engage business leaders and multilateral institutions, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
