• In a statement, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that Ruto’s agenda will focus on enhancing Kenya’s partnerships within COMESA, engaging directly with heads of state from Egypt, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

President William Ruto is in Bujumbura, Burundi for the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government.

This year’s summit marks a significant milestone as COMESA celebrates 30 years, highlighting the bloc’s expanding influence on regional trade and economic integration in Africa.

With a potential reach of 640 million people and an economic power measured at Ksh.128 trillion in GDP, COMESA offers a robust market for Kenyan goods and services. Kenya currently holds a substantial 12.4 percent share of the regional market—second only to Egypt—underscoring its strategic importance within the bloc.

According to recent data, Kenya’s exports to COMESA rose by 8.9 percent between 2019 and 2023, illustrating promising opportunities for deeper trade engagements.

In a statement, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed confirmed that Ruto’s agenda will focus on enhancing Kenya’s partnerships within COMESA, engaging directly with heads of state from Egypt, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

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“During his visit, the President will engage in high level discussions aimed at bolstering Kenya’s relationships with key strategic partners, with key strategic partners, with a particular focus on strengthening regional value chains to deepen COMESA integration,” the statement said in part.

Talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are expected to emphasize mutual commitments to ramp up trade volumes between the two nations. Meanwhile, discussions with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema aim to address non-tariff barriers through the formation of a Joint Trade Committee—a strategic move intended to streamline trade operations and tackle regulatory hurdles.