Ruto Set for Another State Visit After Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan Trip

President William Ruto is set for another foreign trip, with South Africa confirming that he will undertake a State Visit to the country from June 3 to June 5, 2026.

The visit will come just weeks after President Ruto’s back-to-back international engagements in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, where he sought to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic and economic ties with the two nations.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency of South Africa on Friday, May 29 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Ruto at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Thursday, June 4.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 4 June 2026, host His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto of the Republic of Kenya on a State Visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane,” read part of the statement.

The head of State is expected to travel to South Africa after presiding over this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, which will be held in Wajir County on June 1.

Ruto, Ramaphosa Set for High-Level Talks

South Africa said the State Visit will include a welcome ceremony, bilateral talks between the two presidents, a signing ceremony for memoranda of agreement, and a joint media briefing.

“The welcome ceremony will be followed by discussions between the Presidents and a Business Forum,” the South African Presidency said.

Also Read: President Ruto Heads to Italy for State Visit

The official talks are expected to focus on strengthening relations between Kenya and South Africa, which Pretoria described as long-standing and mutually beneficial.

South Africa also noted that it considers Kenya a strategic partner in East Africa and across the continent.

Trade and Investment Among Issues to Be Discussed During State Visit

A key highlight of the visit will be the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum scheduled for June 4 in Johannesburg.

The forum will bring together government officials and business leaders from both countries to explore opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

Also Read: Ruto Awarded the Highest Degree in Kazakhstan

According to the South African government, discussions will focus on deepening business partnerships and unlocking the full potential of trade and investment in strategic sectors.

President William Ruto’s planned trip to South Africa follows two overseas engagements in May 2026.

He left Kenya on May 16 and arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 17 to attend the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which ran until May 22. During the forum, he promoted Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme and held meetings with other leaders.

He then travelled to Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 19 for a two-day State Visit, where he held talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on trade, investment, energy, technology, and diplomatic cooperation.

Ruto returned to Kenya on May 21 before embarking on a development tour of the Coast region.

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President William Ruto (R) with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at State House, Nairobi, on November 9, 2022. PHOTO/PSC