President William Ruto has departed for Rome on an official visit aimed at strengthening ties with Italy and unlocking major infrastructure and investment deals.
The president left the country on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
According to a statement from the State House, Ruto is expected to hold bilateral talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The discussions will focus on deepening Kenya–Italy relations and enhancing cooperation across key sectors, with several memoranda of understanding and cross-sector agreements set to be signed.
A key highlight of the visit will be efforts to accelerate the development of major dam projects in Kenya, including the Arror, Kimwarer, and Itare dams. These projects form part of the government’s broader irrigation strategy, which officials say is central to transforming Kenya into a more food-secure and economically advanced nation.
The government has identified irrigation, infrastructure expansion, and energy generation as its top development priorities.
The dam projects are expected to support a wider plan to expand irrigation to 2.5 million acres over the next seven years, boost agricultural output, and position Kenya as a net food exporter.
During the visit, President Ruto will also attend the Kenya–Italy Business Forum, where he is expected to showcase investment opportunities in infrastructure, irrigation, and energy.
He will engage with business leaders and representatives from international organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The trip is also expected to advance cooperation under Italy’s Mattei Plan, which focuses on agriculture, agro-industry, clean energy, healthcare, and human capital development.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the visit underscores Kenya’s commitment to building strategic international partnerships to drive economic growth and development.
