Nairobi, August 22, 2023 - President William Ruto engaged in a virtual meeting with American billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates on Monday evening, accompanied by key officials from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The meeting focused on the foundation's transformative work in Kenya, with a particular emphasis on climate change, a topic that Ruto has been advocating for on the global stage.

During the meeting, President Ruto praised the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its significant impact on improving lives in Kenya and expressed a commitment to collaborating in addressing the climate change crisis for the betterment of all citizens.

The meeting's participants included Rodger Voorhies, President of the foundation's Global Growth & Opportunity Division, responsible for the organization's climate change initiatives. Also present was Cheikh Oumar Seydi, who leads the foundation's work in Africa.

This strategic engagement aligns with the foundation's intention to establish a regional hub in Kenya. Plans for the headquarters, set to be located in Nairobi, were approved by the cabinet on June 27. The hub will oversee the foundation's initiatives in agriculture and information and communication technology (ICT). The specific location within Nairobi and the construction timeline have yet to be disclosed.

The virtual meeting between President Ruto and Bill Gates, renowned for his philanthropic efforts, demonstrates a collaborative commitment to addressing pressing global challenges, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable development. The establishment of the regional hub further signifies the foundation's dedication to enhancing the lives of Kenyans through innovative solutions and partnerships.