Ruto Jets Out for Crucial International Meetings

President William Ruto departed for Burundi to attend the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government in Bujumbura.

In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said this year’s summit celebrates the 30th anniversary of COMESA, a vital trading bloc with a combined market of 640 million people and a GDP of $1 trillion.

COMESA represents a substantial market for Kenya, which currently holds a 12.4% share of the regional market, second only to Egypt.

Between 2019 and 2023, Kenya’s exports to COMESA grew by 8.9%, highlighting the strong potential for regional trade and integration.

“During his visit, the President will engage in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering Kenya’s relationships with key strategic partners, with a particular focus on strengthening regional value chains to deepen COMESA integration,” reads part of the statement.

Ruto to Meet Two Presidents

He is also scheduled to meet with the Presidents of Egypt and Zambia, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, among others.

The discussions with Egypt will focus on enhancing the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with a joint commitment to increase trade between the two nations.

His bilateral meeting with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will explore avenues to facilitate trade, including the formation of a Joint Trade Committee to address and resolve non-tariff barriers.

Additional topics of discussion with COMESA leaders and the COMESA secretariat will include:

• A final extension of sugar safeguard measures to revitalise the sugar sector.
• Garnering support for Kenya’s bid to host the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Secretariat, which unites three regional economic communities: COMESA, the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community.
• Mobilizing support for Kenya’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairperson position.

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Mudavadi in Burundi for COMESA Summit

Ruto will join Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi who is already in Bujumbura for the Summit.

On October 29, Mudavadi participated in a session alongside fellow Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Burundi where they engaged in meaningful discussions and deliberations.

The session culminated in the adoption of the report from the 19th meeting of the COMESA Peace and Security Committee.

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“This comprehensive report outlines strategic measures to enhance regional stability, reinforce peace and security frameworks, and foster an environment conducive to trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth across our region,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi also visited the Kenyan Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi, where he engaged in discussions with Amb. Daniel Wambura, CBS, and the Embassy staff.

The discussions were around enhancing diplomatic relations, expanding trade, and promoting tourism between Kenya and Burundi.

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