President William Ruto has departed for Rome on an official visit to Italy, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and unlocking new infrastructure and investment opportunities.
The trip is expected to focus on reviving key development projects, expanding cooperation in energy and agriculture, and attracting foreign capital to support Kenya’s economic agenda.
In a press statement dated April 19 2026, the visit will include high-level engagements with Italy’s top leadership, alongside meetings with global development institutions and private-sector players.
“President William Ruto this afternoon departed for Rome on an Official Visit to Italy. During the visit, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to deepen Kenya-Italy relations and strengthen the strategic partnership across key sectors, with several MoUs and cross-sector agreements to be signed,” the statement read.
Bilateral Talks and Strategic Partnerships
During the visit, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
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These discussions are expected to deepen diplomatic ties and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and cross-sector agreements are expected to be signed, covering areas such as infrastructure development, energy expansion, and agricultural modernization.
Focus on Dams and Irrigation Expansion
A key priority of the visit is the acceleration of major dam projects that have faced delays in recent years.
These include the Arror, Kimwarer, and Itare dams, which are central to Kenya’s irrigation and water management strategy.
According to the government, these projects are critical to boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.
“A central focus of the visit is accelerating the Arror, Kimwarer, and Itare dam projects, which are key investments under the irrigation pillar of the government’s three national priorities that will drive Kenya’s transition from a third-world to a first-world economy,” read part of the statement.
The administration has outlined an ambitious plan to expand irrigation coverage to 2.5 million acres within seven years.
This initiative is expected to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture, stabilize food production, and support Kenya’s goal of becoming a net exporter of agricultural products.
In addition to irrigation, the broader development strategy includes expanding infrastructure networks and increasing energy generation capacity to support industrial growth.
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Investment Drive and Global Engagements
Beyond government-to-government talks, President Ruto is also expected to engage the private sector and international development partners.
During the Kenya-Italy Business Forum, he will present investment opportunities in infrastructure, irrigation, and energy, targeting both public and private investors.
The head of state will also enhance cooperation in health, energy and human capital.
“In line with these priorities, the President will, at the Kenya-Italy Business Forum, showcase investment opportunities, including infrastructure, irrigation, and energy. He will also engage several business leaders and multilateral institutions, including International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The visit will further advance cooperation under Italy’s Mattei Plan, focusing on agriculture and agro-industry, value chain development, health, clean energy, and human capital development,” the statement read.
