On Sunday, President William Ruto will welcome at least five fellow heads of state to engage in discussions about proposed reforms for the African Union Commission.
As a leading advocate for these reforms, President Ruto will preside over the discussions, which aim to outline a clear strategy for implementing significant changes within the organization.
The meeting will also feature key officials from the African Union Commission, including outgoing chairperson Moussa Faki, as Ruto seeks to garner political support for these ambitious reforms.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the retreat will focus on institutional reforms within the AU.
“Participants will engage in targeted discussions on restructuring AU organs, institutions, and agencies to enhance operational efficiency and improve decision-making,” the ministry noted.
In terms of financial independence, the agenda will include exploring innovative funding mechanisms to ensure the AU’s sustainability, reducing its dependence on external donors.
“The retreat will also consider strategies to empower the Pan-African Parliament, activate the African Court of Justice, and strengthen governance and accountability across AU institutions to rejuvenate the AU’s operations,” the ministry added.
Expected attendees include Comoros President Azali Assoumani, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, and Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie.
Newly inaugurated Ghanaian President Johan Mahama, who took office this month, will also participate in the discussions.
Most of the presidents arrived in the country on Saturday, including Embalo, who is on a two-day state visit.
During a meeting with Embalo at State House, Ruto emphasized that the visit reflects the strong ties of friendship and collaboration between their nations.
He reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to promoting reforms within the African Union as the designated Champion for these institutional changes.
