President Ruto meets with diplomats ahead of King Charles visit to Kenya

The President met the British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan ahead of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's State visit next week. 

President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral talks with the King focusing on climate action, biodiversity, sustainable urban development, youth, technology and innovation and women empowerment.

Key projects expected to be discussed include the Ksh.425 billion Grand High Falls Dam project, the Ksh.12.5 billion Menengai Geothermal project and the Ksh.7.5 billion Malindi Solar Expansion project. 

Others are the Ksh.11.5 billion Nairobi Railway City project, the Ksh.31 United Green investment and the recruitment of Kenyan Nurses to the United Kingdom. 

The King and President Ruto will also seek to enhance trade volumes between the two countries.

The President also met the Japanese ambassador to Kenya Ken Okaniwa who delivered a message from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Ambassador Okaniwa apprised the Head of State about his forthcoming official visit to Japan following an invitation by Prime Minister Fumio.

He noted that Kenya and Japan are celebrating 60 years of diplomacy, friendship and partnership. We share a long history of trade, cordial relations and strong cooperation. 

President Ruto lauded Japan for funding Kenya's infrastructure projects in health, agriculture, and education among others. 

"We appreciate your support in the development of a high-tech laboratory at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI),  the Southern by-pass in Mombasa and an intelligent transport system in Mombasa County," he said. 

The Head of State said Kenya has created a conducive business environment that has attracted 104 Japanese companies to the country. 

He emphasized Kenya's commitment to achieving a more balanced trade relationship, which currently tilts in favour of Japan.

Later,  President Ruto held talks with Austrian Federal Minister for Labour and Economy Dr Martin Kocher who was accompanied by the Austrian business community.  

The two leaders explored ways to increase trade volumes, expand markets for Kenya's agricultural products and enhance labour migration. 

President Ruto observed that Kenya can learn valuable lessons from Austria's healthcare as the government adopts preventive and promotive healthcare.

The President appealed to the Austrian business community to explore investment opportunities in ICT, Special Economic Zones, water and health sectors.

"Kenya is the ultimate gateway to East Africa and Africa thanks to the African Continental Free Trade Area," he said. 

The President also met Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Their discussions focused on exploiting untapped trade and investment opportunities in the two nations. 

President Ruto expressed Kenya and the Netherlands' commitment to strengthening collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, and climate action.

The two leaders also explored strategies for maintaining regional peace and security to foster an environment conducive to economic growth.