President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto on a State Visit to South Africa on Thursday, 4 June 2026, as the two countries seek to deepen political, economic and strategic cooperation.
The visit, which will take place at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, is expected to reinforce the long-standing relationship between South Africa and Kenya, two of Africa’s most influential economies.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the State Visit reflects the growing importance of the partnership between the two nations and South Africa’s intention to elevate relations with Kenya to the level of a Strategic Partnership.
“South Africa values Kenya as a strategic partner in the East African region and on the continent. The State Visit provides an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors and to advance shared regional and continental priorities,” Magwenya said.
South Africa and Kenya have maintained cordial diplomatic relations since 1994 and have built extensive cooperation in a variety of sectors. To date, the two countries have signed 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering areas such as agriculture, sports, education, home affairs, defence, correctional services, water and sanitation, tourism, transport, trade and environmental management.
The upcoming visit follows reciprocal State Visits undertaken by the two countries in 2021 and 2022, underscoring the steady growth of bilateral relations over recent years.
Kenya remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the African continent outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Economic ties between the countries continue to expand, with more than 60 South African companies currently operating in Kenya across various sectors of the economy.
President Ramaphosa and President Ruto are expected to lead their respective delegations during official talks, where discussions will focus on bilateral cooperation, economic development, regional peace and security, as well as broader continental and multilateral issues.
The leaders are also expected to oversee the signing of several agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two governments.
A key feature of the visit will be the South Africa-Kenya Business Forum, scheduled to take place later in the day at Gallagher Convention Centre. The forum will bring together government representatives, investors and business leaders from both countries.
The gathering is expected to explore new opportunities for trade and investment while identifying practical measures to unlock greater economic cooperation in strategic sectors.
The official programme will begin with a welcome ceremony at the Union Buildings at 09:30, followed by official talks at 10:30. A memorandum signing ceremony and media briefing will take place at 12:30 before the Business Forum convenes in Midrand at 16:00.
The State Visit is expected to further cement relations between South Africa and Kenya while opening new avenues for trade, investment and cooperation on issues affecting the African continent.
