President William Ruto is set to travel to New York next month for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), his first official visit to the United States since Donald Trump returned to the White House.

The trip is being closely watched as a test of Kenya’s diplomatic standing in Washington.

President Trump has often been faulted for a cold, business-like approach when engaging African leaders. Recent meetings at the White House have been short, tightly choreographed, and lacking the ceremony of earlier administrations.

Last month, Trump hosted a small summit for leaders from five West African countries, a gathering critics described as more of a staged performance than genuine diplomacy. This has fueled speculation over what kind of reception Ruto will receive.

The high-level UNGA debate is scheduled to run from September 23 to 27, but Ruto’s mission in the U.S. stretches beyond the global stage.

Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally is under review in the U.S. Senate, with lawmakers raising concerns about Nairobi’s ties with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as alleged misuse of American security support in crackdowns at home.

Ruto, however, has defended Kenya’s growing trade with Beijing, pointing to China’s recent removal of tariffs on tea, coffee, and avocados. “It is what I must do for Kenya,” he told farmers earlier this month.

Another sensitive issue will be the multinational mission in Haiti, led by Kenyan forces. While Trump froze most foreign aid upon returning to office, his administration has spared the Haiti operation, signaling continued support for Nairobi’s peacekeeping role.

Trade will also be central to the talks. With AGOA the duty-free export pact with the U.S. set to expire in September, Ruto is pushing for a bilateral trade deal. Kenyan exports to America were worth $737 million, about Sh95 billion, last year, mainly apparel, tea, and coffee.

Beyond politics and commerce, Ruto is expected to lobby for Nairobi to host the first African edition of the Grammy Awards, part of his push to position Kenya as a cultural and creative hub.

“Next month in the United States, I will meet with the Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios here in Kenya and to set in motion the journey towards eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammy Awards in Nairobi,” Ruto said during the the Kenya National Music Festival State Gala at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri on Saturday August 16, 2025.