Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has departed Nairobi for St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, where he will represent President William Ruto at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The November 1–4 meeting brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, representing a combined population of approximately 2.7 billion people across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific.
Kenya is expected to use the high-level diplomatic engagement to strengthen international partnerships, attract foreign investment and advance its national development priorities.
In a statement ahead of the meeting, Kindiki said Kenya would use the forum to advance its strategic national interests and project the country as a stable investment destination.
“Kenya will use this forum to advance its networking with the Commonwealth’s 56 member states with a combined population of 2.7 billion people spread in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe,” he said.
The Deputy President noted that Kenya would also use the gathering to push for collective responses to global challenges while seeking greater international support for its national priorities.
“Kenya will advance its position on the imperatives of collective response to global challenges and seek more support for its national priorities,” he stated.
The engagement will involve plenary sessions, side events and bilateral meetings aimed at opening up opportunities for Kenyan businesses, attracting foreign capital and supporting the country’s economic transformation.
Kindiki said Kenya would present itself as a stable democracy and a viable investment destination, seeking partnerships with countries and institutions capable of providing capital, technology and skills needed to drive the next phase of economic growth.
“Overall, Kenya will be selling itself as a stable democracy and a viable investment destination seeking to connect its national development priorities with partners who have the capital, technology and skills that are crucial for the next phase of national economic transformation,” he added.
CHOGM is the Commonwealth’s highest-level political gathering, held every two years to discuss shared challenges, establish common priorities and coordinate action among member states.
The 2026 meeting is being held under the theme Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation, trade, investment, innovation and climate resilience.
The summit also provides an opportunity for member countries to engage through various parallel forums, including business, youth, women and civil society platforms.
