Readout of the FAO Director-General’s meeting with His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya

Nairobi - FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, met with His Excellency William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, on 20 February at the State House in Nairobi, during an official visit to the country.

The President expressed his appreciation for FAO’s support in responding to and managing the Desert Locust and asked for further assistance with Fall Armyworm control.

His Excellency also recognized the Organization’s support for the digital land registration of agricultural plots and technical assistance in the livestock sector.

He asked for further assistance in two core areas: agricultural productivity and climate change, especially regarding fair financing mechanisms.

The Director-General underscored that FAO is already working closely with UNFCCC for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP28 and collaborating with Kenya.

He also suggested increasing agricultural productivity through science and innovation on new seed varieties.

Qu highlighted the importance of Green Cities, such as Nairobi, and how they should be present in every country. Agroforestry and agro tourism are key mechanisms where Kenya can lead the transformation of agrifood systems, he said.

The Director-General Invited his Excellency to the upcoming World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome, and to work together on a 10-year plan to transform agrifood systems in Kenya.