Ruto departs for Germany tonight

President William Ruto leaves the country tonight for Germany. [Standard, File]

President William Ruto will leave Kenya tonight for a two-day visit to Germany.

The visit, according to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed is aimed at strengthening Kenya-Germany relations that have spanned more than 60 years.

 It will focus on cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

During the trip, President Ruto will oversee the signing of a Kenya-Germany agreement on labor mobility. The deal, known as the Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership, will cover areas such as apprenticeships, employment, and the return of citizens.

In addition, Ruto will attend Germany's annual Citizens' Festival, marking the first time a non-European country has been honoured as a profile partner.

Kenya will use the event to highlight its rich cultural heritage.

The President is scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss shared interests, including green energy, digital cooperation, and regional peace efforts.

Ruto will also engage with top business leaders at a CEO forum aimed at boosting trade ties. Companies such as Mercedes Benz, YouTube, and AIDA Cruises are expected to participate.

Currently, more than 100 German firms operate in Kenya, with investments totalling Sh150 billion.

Hussein said on Thursday, September 12, that the visit will deliver “real, tangible, and immediate benefits to the people of Kenya,” adding that the partnership will also "showcase Kenya’s cultural heritage to the German public."

The trip is expected to yield various benefits, including employment and educational opportunities for Kenyan youth. Germany will offer long-stay visas to eligible students, with potential pathways to employment after training.

Additionally, the government hopes that the Citizens' Festival will help raise awareness of the Kenyan culture in Germany and boost tourism. Last year, Kenya recorded a 23.2 percent increase in German tourists, with 81,359 visitors.

It is the second time Ruto is flying out, within two weeks. He was in Beijing, China last week.