Rachel Ruto to lead Kenya’s push for Women empowerment, investment in Beijing visit

During her visit, Mama Rachel will focus on several key initiatives aimed at increasing economic empowerment and strengthening international partnerships.

Her agenda includes working with development partners and investors to promote women's economic empowerment in Kenya.

Mama Rachel also plans to form partnerships to improve children's welfare and promote Kenya as a top tourist destination.

According to a Monday statement from her communication team, she also plans to connect with Kenyan women professionals in the diaspora to attract additional investments and increase diaspora inflow.

Mama Rachel will attend a session hosted by H.E. Prof. Peng Liuyan, the First Lady of the People's Republic of China, on behalf of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

This session will discuss strategies for accelerating women's empowerment through education, in line with both Kenyan and Chinese development goals.

Elsewhere, President Ruto is expected to pursue multi-million-dollar agreements with China, focusing on infrastructure and trade. 

During the summit, which focusses on modernisation and building a high-level China-Africa community, President Ruto will co-chair a session on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

According to a Sunday State House statement, one of President Ruto's top priorities is a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Additionally, President Ruto will attend the China-Africa Entrepreneurs Conference, where he will advocate for increased Chinese investment in Kenya's infrastructure, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Kenya expects to reach agreements on infrastructure development, such as the construction of rural roads, the Nairobi Intelligent Transportation System, and the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project.

Discussions will also centre on extending and completing phases 2B and 2C of the SGR, dualing the Nairobi Northern Bypass, and other critical infrastructure projects.

The visit is also expected to pave the way for new cooperation projects, such as establishing a pharmaceutical park and negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).