PHOTOS: Ruto hosts billionaire Bill Gates at State House
President William Ruto on Wednesday, November 16, hosted American philanthropist Bill Gates at State House Nairobi.
In a statement, the Head of State said talks with the billionaire and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation centred on collaboration towards the realisation of food security and universal health coverage in Kenya.
"We appreciate the support the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues to extend to Kenya in realising our development goals, especially in the areas of healthcare, agriculture and ICT sectors," President Ruto said.
"We will continue to collaborate towards the realisation of food security and universal health coverage in our country," he added. 
Gates arrived in the country on Tuesday, November 16.
Yesterday, he toured Makueni county where he held talks with governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and health workers at Kathonzweni Health Centre.
The Microsoft founder is expected to meet university students at the University of Nairobi (UoN) to hold discussions on climate change and food security.
Speaking to a local daily, Gates said he was excited to return to Kenya after 12 years.
He lauded the country over massive gains in the health sector, saying he plans to meet several leaders to discuss various development projects.
“I’m very excited to be back in Kenya. It is incredible to see the dramatic progress that’s been made in the last decade,” he stated.
Gates, however, noted that due to his tight schedule he won't be able to visit beautiful tourist sites in Kenya like before.
"I’ve been lucky enough to visit Kenya a few times in the past and have really enjoyed visiting the Maasai Mara and meeting people in towns like Eldoret and Kabiyet.
“Unfortunately, this time, I won’t be able to explore this wonderful country beyond our planned work visits. I always enjoy my time here, and I’m grateful to be back in Kenya to see and support the people making their country and the world better," he stated.
Gates, who has pumped billions of dollars into projects aimed at improving lives and livelihoods across the world, also promised to continue supporting economic progress in the African continent.
"Our foundation focuses on the biggest barriers to health and well-being around the world, and funds solutions to address them. The most important thing we, or any other organisation, can do is listen to African leaders and communities about the most effective ways to apply our resources.
"Guided by their expertise, we can invest more in Africa’s people and the systems they’re building to improve resilience, health, food security, and gender equality. That’s not solely an investment in Africa—the entire world will benefit," he said.
