By Afrireport 
President William Ruto has departed Kenya for Ethiopia on a high-profile diplomatic mission to attend the 36th African Union (AU) Summit, signaling Kenya’s intent to play a key role in shaping the continent’s economic and security agenda.
The summit, which brings together African leaders to discuss pressing issues including regional peace, economic integration and climate change, is expected to provide a platform for President Ruto to push Kenya’s diplomatic priorities on the continental stage.
President Ruto, accompanied by a team of senior government officials and diplomats, emphasized that Kenya is committed to promoting peace, stability and economic growth across Africa.
In a brief statement at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before departure, he said, Kenya remains a strong advocate for unity and cooperation within Africa. Our participation in the AU Summit is an opportunity to advance our shared development goals and regional security interests.”
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One of the key agendas for Kenya during the summit is bolstering trade relations within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and encouraging investments that will spur industrial growth and job creation back home.
Analysts say this is particularly important for Kenya as it seeks to expand its export markets and attract foreign investment in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.
The AU Summit is also expected to address conflict resolution in troubled regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
Kenya, which has historically played a mediating role in regional disputes, is likely to leverage the summit to strengthen diplomatic ties and participate in peace initiatives across the continent.
Political observers note that President Ruto’s engagement at the AU Summit comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to assert its influence in regional and continental policymaking.
By positioning itself as a proactive and cooperative player in Africa, Kenya hopes to reinforce its leadership credentials and enhance its international profile.
President Ruto’s visit to Ethiopia is expected to include bilateral meetings with other African heads of state, in addition to his participation in plenary sessions at the summit.
His office confirmed that he will engage with leaders on issues of mutual interest, including trade, security, climate change and youth empowerment.
The AU Summit, taking place in Addis Ababa from February 10-15, brings together leaders from all 55 African Union member states, making it one of the continent’s most important diplomatic gatherings.
Kenya’s active participation is being closely watched both domestically and internationally as the country seeks to cement its position as a key player in Africa’s political and economic landscape.
