Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has revealed that President William Ruto is set to meet some of Hollywood’s biggest stars during his visit to the United States (US) on May 21, 2024.
Speaking on the JK Live night show, Sing’oei stated that Ruto’s agenda will include meetings with key film industry leaders to assist develop collaborations and Kenya’s creative economy.
He stated that the engagements will allow him to visit Tyler Perry Studios, a well-known film production company, as well as meet with its owner, Tyler Perry.
Tyler Perry is a renowned American playwright, actor, screenwriter, producer, and director.
He has produced numerous hit films and television programs, including Madea, If Loving You Is Wrong, The Haves and the Have Nots, For Better or Worse, and The Oval, among others.
“As part of his visit, the president will visit the Tyler Perry studios. He will meet with Tyler Perry and other Hollywood players, and he will be able to discuss how they might collaborate with Kenya to unlock the potential of cinema,” he stated
According to the PS, Ruto will meet with education sector stakeholders again to form tighter collaborations, as well as sign a major deal with global beverage distributor Coca-Cola.
He stated that Ruto is expected to work with higher education institutions to strengthen links in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) domains.
“Coca-Cola will sign off on a large investment of approximately Ksh.200 million. There is also an element of higher education collaboration, notably STEM collaboration, in which the president will engage with a number of high education institutions,” he stated.
According to the PS, Ruto would also meet with Kenyan diaspora people in Atlanta, Georgia, before addressing to a joint session of the US Congress.
“This is the first state visit of an African head of state to the United States since 2018. It reflects Kenya’s stance in the United States and demonstrates both nations’ determination to enhance relations,” Sing’oei explained.