List of tech giants Ruto has met in US tour
President William Ruto left the country for the US on Wednesday night to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly session as well as participate in the UN Secretary-General's Climate Ambition Summit in New York.
During the visit, the Head of State was scheduled to visit Silicon Valley in San Francisco, where he would meet with tech leaders of Microsoft, Intel, Google and Apple, among others.
By Sunday, September 17, 2023, the President had met CEOs and representatives of a number of the tech giants.
"Kenya has plenty of opportunities to offer American technology and manufacturing companies, particularly its potential as a vital African base and prime centre for tech, manufacturing, connectivity, infrastructure development and garment fabrication," he stated.
Here is a list of the tech giants Ruto has met during his tour:-
1. Apple
Over the weekend, Ruto met Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook, with a promise that the tech giant would work with the Government of Kenya on the growth of Kenya’s innovation and start-up ecosystem.
"Kenya’s green data centre potential is one other area that Apple will look into tapping for achieving the company’s sustainability goals," he stated. 
The President said Apple is working with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to enhance the country's healthcare technology and innovation.
2. Intel
The President also met Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger during his tour.
Intel is one of the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturers by revenue.
Already, Intel has established an AI Developer Lab at Kenya Technical Trainers' College to train master trainers for youth AI application development and is ready to venture into other areas.
3. Google
During his tour, Ruto met Google Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet Ruth Porat.
"Glad Google is actively contributing to Kenya's development by granting Ksh 600M (USD 5M) to enhance connectivity for crucial citizen services, assist in affordable smartphone device creation and support SMEs through the Google Hustle Academy," Ruto stated.
4. Microsoft
Ruto had engagements with Microsoft executives in the US.
Microsoft's best-known software products are the Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity applications, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers.
"Microsoft has made a significant impact in Kenya by providing wireless broadband and device recharge facilities to over 1.5 million people in rural areas through a partnership with Mawingu," Ruto added.
5. StarLink/SpaceX
The President also visited StarLink/SpaceX factory in Los Angeles, United States.
In a statement, Ruto said he urged the organization to work towards reducing the cost of internet access in the country.
"StarLink presents a promising solution for achieving universal internet access by overcoming traditional infrastructure limitations. Their investment has the ability to significantly enhance high-speed connectivity in remote villages, schools and various institutions across the country, thus unlocking the full potential of our digital economy," he stated.
6. Invention Studios
The Head of State met Nicholas Weinstock, the President of Invention Studios.
During the meeting, the two explored the possibility of American filmmakers filming in Kenya, potentially generating job opportunities and contributing to the growth of Kenya's film industry.
7. Other multinationals
The President also met executives from other multinationals which are not tech-related including Nike, GAP and Levi Strauss.
He also met Grammy Global Venture CEO Harvey Mason Jr and President Panos Panay where he advocated for the Grammy Africa Academy Headquarters to be hosted in Nairobi.
