African Heads of State Begin Arriving in Kenya for Africa Forward Summit

Presidents from various countries have begun arriving in Kenya ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, scheduled for May 11 and 12 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The summit, co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, will bring together more than 30 Heads of State, along with business executives, innovators, and development partners, to discuss trade, investment, artificial intelligence, health systems, agriculture, peace, and security.

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio was among the first leaders to arrive, landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on May 10, 2026.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano received him.

On Saturday evening, Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara also arrived in Nairobi, where the Kenyan government welcomed him as preparations for the continental summit gained momentum.

Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, has also arrived in Kenya ahead of the Africa Forward Summit.

President Boakai was received by Mr. Maurice Okoth, Deputy Director General and Coordinator of the Diplomatic Conference Centre.

More presidents and senior delegations are expected to arrive in Nairobi on May 10, 2026, ahead of the main presidential sessions scheduled for May 12, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

According to the official summit programme, discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, digital technology, and sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of The Summit

They will also include resilient health systems, peace and security, the blue economy, green industrialisation and reforms to the international financial system.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has announced heightened security and traffic management measures in Nairobi due to the expected arrivals of foreign dignitaries.

The Office of the Government Spokesperson said heavy VVIP movement is anticipated along major roads, including Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road.

Several roads around the Nairobi Central Business District, among them City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Taifa Road, will also remain closed from midnight on May 11.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About the Africa Forward Summit 2026

Police Deployed For Security

This is to facilitate the summit proceedings and ensure the secure movement of delegates.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohammud said both uniformed and undercover officers have been deployed across the city.

Issa Mohammud added that access to some hotels and venues hosting delegates would be temporarily restricted as part of enhanced security operations.

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President Ruto Welcomed People To The Summit

President Ruto, in his remarks on welcoming heads of state to Kenya, said that the Summit will be historical.

“It is my distinct honour to warmly welcome you to Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the University of Nairobi on the 11th and 12th of May 2026,” Ruto said.

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to conclude with a joint declaration and partnership agreements, which are aimed at boosting cooperation between African nations and France.

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Tourism CS Rabecca Miano welcoming Sierra Leone President Julius Maada to Kenya. PHOTO/Rabecca X