Ruto to Meet Kenyans in US During New York Visit

President William Ruto is set to meet Kenyans living in the United States next week during his visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has invited Kenyans across the US to attend the presidential engagement scheduled for September 20.

The meeting will be held at Convene, 30 Hudson Yards, New York, from 4pm.

Kenyans planning to attend have been encouraged to register in advance by providing their name, phone number, email address, state of residence and organisation.

“Kenyans in the United States of America, join us for a presidential engagement,” the ministry said in its invitation to the diaspora community.

“Njoo tusemezane. Karibuni!!!” it added.

Ruto to engage Kenyan diaspora

The meeting is expected to give Kenyans living in the US an opportunity to engage the President on issues affecting the diaspora, as well as Kenya’s development priorities.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said the government was seeking to engage Kenyans abroad in a more constructive, inclusive and productive manner to unlock their full potential.

The department has emphasised the role of diaspora engagement in strengthening ties between the government and Kenyans living overseas while creating opportunities for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.

Diaspora remittances, skills transfer, investment and partnerships have also been identified as important areas through which Kenyans abroad can contribute to the country’s economic development.

The New York meeting is expected to bring together Kenyans from different states and professional backgrounds as part of the government’s broader efforts to maintain regular dialogue with the diaspora.

Ruto heads to UN General Assembly

The engagement will come ahead of Ruto’s participation in the high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The General Assembly session will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 22 to 26, 2026.

The annual high-level debate brings together heads of state and government from around the world to discuss global challenges, international cooperation and other matters of shared concern.

Ruto’s visit will also provide an opportunity for Kenya to highlight its diplomatic, economic and development priorities before the international community.

For Kenyans living in the United States, however, the September 20 engagement is expected to provide a platform to raise concerns affecting their lives abroad while discussing ways they can continue contributing to Kenya’s development.