By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, April 19, 2026 - President William Ruto has departed for Italy on a three-day official visit aimed at unlocking key infrastructure and investment partnerships between Kenya and the European nation.
In a statement on Sunday, state House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed confirmed that the president departed on Sunday afternoon, after attending a church service in Karen.
During the visit, the Head of State is set to hold bilateral talks with Italy’s President Segion Mattarella as well as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In addition to engaging in bilateral talks with the leaders, Ruto is expected to sign MOUs and cross-sector agreements, focusing on agriculture, health, energy, and human capital development.
Among projects that are set to be the central focus of the visit are the construction of the Arror, Kimwarer, and Itare dam projects.
“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,” the statement read.
“The other pillars are expanded infrastructure and accelerated energy generation. These projects form part of a broader plan to expand irrigation to 2.5 million acres within seven years, boost food security, and position Kenya as a net agricultural exporter,” it added.
Ruto is also set to engage with several business leaders and institutions, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Food and Agriculture organisations, to showcase investment opportunities.
Last week, Ruto revealed that the visit seeks to also secure Ksh1 billion , which will be utilised for the upgrade of the Nyamira County Referral Hospital.
“In line with these priorities, the President will, at the Kenya-Italy Business Forum, showcase investment opportunities, including infrastructure, irrigation, and energy,” the statement read.
Kenya and Italy maintain a healthy and long-standing relationship, which focuses on trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, and education.
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