Ruto to Fly Out to U.S. for 81st UN General Assembly

Ruto to Fly Out to U.S. for 81st UN General Assembly

President William Ruto is set to travel to the United States later this week to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where world leaders will gather for high-level discussions on global issues.

The announcement was made on Thursday, September 17, by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei during a media briefing in Nairobi.

Sing’oei said Ruto had agreed to attend the annual UN gathering, which brings together representatives from all 193 United Nations member states.

“I am pleased to announce that the President has agreed to attend the UNGA, and therefore we are here to inform you that the President will be departing the capital later this week.”

The 81st UN General Assembly officially opened on September 8, 2026. Its high-level week will bring heads of state and government to New York, with the General Debate scheduled for September 22 to 26 and September 28.

The UN has listed the theme of the 81st session as “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

Ruto to Push for Kenyan Appointments

According to Sing’oei, President Ruto’s visit will also include diplomatic efforts aimed at securing the appointment of Kenyans to various United Nations positions.

The move is expected to form part of Kenya’s broader engagement with the international organisation as member states discuss global governance, development, climate issues, security and other international priorities.

Sing’oei has described the 2026 UN General Assembly as an important moment for discussions on reforms within the global system.

“We persuaded the President that this is a UN Reform General Assembly.”

The UN General Assembly is the organisation’s main deliberative and policymaking body, with every member state represented and entitled to one vote.

President to Meet Kenyans in US

Ruto’s New York programme will also include an engagement with Kenyans living in the United States.

The meeting is scheduled for September 20 at Convene, 30 Hudson Yards, in New York. The engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for Kenyans in the diaspora to discuss matters affecting them and Kenya’s development priorities.

The meeting will also feature the launch of the Kenya Diaspora Impact Platform (KDIP), a government initiative designed to strengthen engagement between the government and Kenyans living abroad.

According to information from the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, the platform is intended to create a structured avenue for diaspora perspectives, investment and participation in national development initiatives.

The launch is expected to form part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s relationship with its diaspora community and expand opportunities for investment.

Ruto’s US Visit Comes Amid Political Activity

The President’s planned visit comes at a time when Kenyan political figures have also been engaging Kenyans in the United States.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently undertook a multi-city tour of the US, with stops including Seattle, Portland, Dallas, Kansas and Boston.

Gachagua’s tour included meetings with Kenyans living in the US and activities linked to his political plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ruto’s upcoming visit, however, is officially centred on Kenya’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly and his scheduled engagement with the Kenyan diaspora.

The UN General Debate will bring together heads of state and government to outline their countries’ positions and priorities on major international issues. Nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the high-level week in person.

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Ruto to Fly Out to U.S. for 81st UN General Assembly