President William Ruto with Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu (left) and First Lady Rachel during an engagement with Kenyans in the US in 2024/PCSPresident William Ruto will meet Kenyans living in the United States next week as part of 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 in the US to attend the presidential engagement scheduled for September 20.
The event will be held at Convene, 30 Hudson Yards, New York, starting at 4 pm.
Those planning to attend have been urged to register online 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 an invitation to the diaspora community.
“Njoo tusemezane. Karibuni!!!” it added.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for Kenyans living in the US to engage the President on matters affecting the diaspora and Kenya’s development priorities.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said the government intended to engage Kenyans abroad in a more constructive, inclusive and productive manner to unlock and unleash their full potential.
It said diaspora engagement was important in strengthening the relationship between the government and Kenyans living outside the country, while creating opportunities for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange.
The engagement comes as Ruto prepares to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to participate in the high-level General Debate.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 22-26, 2026.
The presidential engagement will precede the opening of the high-level debate and is expected to bring together Kenyans from different states and professional backgrounds.
The ministry has encouraged those interested in attending to complete the registration process ahead of the event to facilitate planning and participation.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs was established to strengthen the Government’s engagement with Kenyans abroad and coordinate initiatives aimed at harnessing the diaspora’s contribution to national development.
The department has previously emphasised the importance of diaspora remittances, investment, skills transfer and partnerships in supporting Kenya’s economic growth.
The New York meeting is expected to form part of the Government’s broader efforts to maintain regular dialogue with Kenyans living abroad.
Ruto’s US visit will also place Kenya’s diplomatic and development priorities before the international community as world leaders gather for the annual UN meeting.
The General Assembly high-level debate brings together heads of state and government to discuss global challenges, international cooperation and matters of shared concern.
For Kenyans in the US, the presidential engagement will offer an opportunity to raise issues affecting their lives abroad and discuss ways to contribute to Kenya’s development.
