President William Ruto has been invited to attend the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France, marking a significant boost to Kenya’s growing profile in global economic diplomacy.
The invitation was confirmed during a high-level meeting in Paris between Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Betty Cherwon, and Economic Planning Principal Secretary Boniface Makokha, as the country finalizes preparations for the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting.
According to a statement from the embassy, the meeting held at the ambassador’s office focused on assessing Kenya’s readiness and refining its policy positions during the ministerial talks held on April 29–30 in Paris.
“Today’s engagement provided an important opportunity to align Kenya’s priorities and ensure our contributions to the G7 development track are well articulated and impactful,” Cherwon said.
Makokha, who is leading the Kenyan delegation to the ministerial meeting, emphasized the strategic importance of Kenya’s participation in the G7 process, noting that it presents a platform to influence global development policy and strengthen partnerships.
“Kenya’s invitation to the G7 Leaders’ Summit is a clear recognition of our country’s growing role in shaping international economic discourse,” said Makokha.
“We are committed to advancing proposals that reflect the priorities of developing economies, particularly in areas such as financing, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.”
Kenya will attend the June summit alongside other invited countries, including Korea, Brazil, and India, signaling its elevation into a select group of emerging economies engaged in high-level discussions with the world’s largest industrialized nations.
The Évian summit, scheduled for June 15–16, is expected to bring together leaders from the Group of Seven countries to deliberate on pressing global challenges, including economic recovery, climate action, and sustainable development.
Amb. Cherwon noted that Kenya is keen to leverage the summit to deepen its engagement with key international institutions and partners.
“We also exchanged views on Kenya’s broader international economic agenda, including our ongoing engagement with the OECD and opportunities for enhanced cooperation,” she said.
Kenya’s increasing involvement in global forums such as the G7 underscores its ambition to position itself as a leading voice for Africa and the Global South in international policy discussions.
Analysts say the invitation to President Ruto reflects confidence in Kenya’s economic reforms and diplomatic outreach, particularly as the country continues to pursue strategic partnerships aimed at boosting investment and development.
As preparations intensify ahead of both the ministerial meeting and the leaders’ summit, Kenyan officials say the focus remains on delivering tangible outcomes that will benefit not only the country but also the wider region.
“Kenya is ready to engage constructively and contribute meaningfully to global solutions,” Makokha added.
“This is an opportunity we intend to fully utilize.”