President William Ruto left the country on Tuesday morning to attend the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The high-profile event, scheduled for January 30–31, brings together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to discuss strategies to accelerate energy access across the continent.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt General John Omenda, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo were present at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to see off the President. Deputy President Kindiki later shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Seeing off President William Samoei Ruto as he departed for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to attend the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.”
The summit, organized under the auspices of the Government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank, aims to catalyze the ambitious Mission 300. This initiative seeks to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030, addressing one of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.
Mission 300, announced by AfDB and the World Bank in April 2024, underscores the urgent need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to spur economic growth and improve livelihoods. Across the two-day event, leaders will outline actionable solutions and bold reforms tailored to their countries’ energy needs. The unveiling of National Energy Compacts by several African nations will be a key highlight, showcasing commitments to innovative energy strategies.
President Ruto’s attendance underscores Kenya’s dedication to championing sustainable energy solutions in Africa. As a regional leader in renewable energy, Kenya is expected to contribute significantly to discussions on clean energy transitions and green growth. The summit provides an opportunity to exchange insights on addressing challenges such as financing, infrastructure deficits, and energy inequality.
Africa currently faces significant energy poverty, with over 600 million people lacking access to electricity. The summit will emphasize collaboration among governments, international organizations, and civil society to close the energy gap.
The event also sets the stage for fostering public-private partnerships to scale up investments in energy projects. By ensuring universal energy access, the Mission 300 initiative aims to unlock the continent’s economic potential and drive inclusive development.
President Ruto’s participation signals Kenya’s commitment to these objectives and its broader role in shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
