The handover marked the end of Kenya’s tenure at the helm of COMESA, following President Ruto’s election as chairperson in 2025.

President William Ruto arrives back in the country from Zimbabwe on October 23, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto returned to the country on Friday after handing over the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) chairmanship to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the regional bloc’s 25th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Ruto travelled to Zimbabwe on Wednesday ahead of the summit, which was held on Thursday under the theme “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA”.

Leaders from the 21-member regional bloc used the summit to discuss ways to deepen regional integration, strengthen trade and investment, advance industrialisation and improve economic cooperation among member states.

Ruto had said the discussions would also focus on strengthening peace and security, accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and increasing the value Africa derives from its natural resources through local processing and value addition.

Upon his return, the President was received by government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

President William Ruto is received by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen upon arrival from Zimbabwe on October 23, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto greets Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo after arriving back in the country on October 23, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto greets Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja upon arrival from Zimbabwe on October 23, 2026 / PCS

President William Ruto is welcomed by senior state officers after arriving back in the country from Zimbabwe on October 23, 2026 / PCS