Ruto inspects Nairobi infrastructure ahead of Africa Forward Summit

President William Ruto conducted an unexpected nighttime inspection of Nairobi’s streets on Saturday, preceding the Africa Forward Summit scheduled for the following day. Accompanied by Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja and Roads Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir, the president examined ongoing non-motorized transport corridors, street lighting projects, and road infrastructure developments in various city suburbs. During their nighttime examination, the officials reviewed critical areas of the city undergoing renovation, focusing on expanded pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, drainage enhancements, and improved street illumination. This inspection follows closely behind the February 17 agreement between Ruto and Sakaja worth 80 billion shillings, which addresses crucial infrastructure, housing, and environmental initiatives designed to modernize the capital. During an unprecedented address to the Nairobi County Assembly on April 9, Ruto reassured the country that the agreement would not infringe upon the responsibilities of the devolved government. ‘Nairobi serves as the engine of our economy, represents our nation’s face, and determines how the world perceives Kenya,’ the president stated, positioning the city’s transformation as a national obligation rather than merely a local matter. On Saturday evening, the presence of Ruto and Sakaja in the streets aimed likely to demonstrate to the international community that Nairobi offers security for visitors and investment opportunities, particularly as more than 30 heads of state and government officials began arriving for the next day’s summit. Sakaja published the photographs on his social media platforms without accompanying captions, allowing the public and press to draw their own conclusions. Beginning Monday, Nairobi will co-host the Africa Forward Summit with France, a gathering anticipated to unite heads of state and business representatives to foster investment and strengthen Africa’s international collaborations. Jointly presided over by President Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit will welcome thousands of participants encompassing government leaders, policy makers, investors, innovators, and development partners from throughout Africa and other regions. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday, marking one of the earliest heads of state to attend. He was the second president to disembark after Ivorian President Alassane Qattara’s Saturday night arrival. Authorities have already informed citizens to anticipate traffic complications during the summit, with major routes in the Central Business Districtspecifically City Hall Way, Parliament Road, and Taifa Roadremaining inaccessible to the public throughout the two-day event.