President William Ruto is poised to make history as he addresses the G7 summit in Italy next week.
Ruto is among the only five African heads of state invited to attend this year's prestigious event that will mark its 50th meeting.
It will be held from June 13-15 in the city of Fasano in Apulia.
Also joining him from the African continent are leaders from Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia.
In total, only 12 countries from across the world have been invited to the meeting.
It includes Argentina, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.
The selective nature of the invitations underscores the importance of these nations in the global dialogue on key issues such as economic development, climate change, and international security.
In addition to the heads of state and government, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki and Pope Francis are the other two prominent figures slated to address the summit.
They will lend their voices to the critical issues for discussions during the meeting.
The European Commission president has been a permanently welcome participant at all meetings since 1981.
Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will chair the meeting.
Ruto’s participation in the summit is particularly significant as it affirms his growing influence on the global stage.
It comes in the wake of his state visit to the US on invitation by President Joe Biden.
The summit will give him an opportunity to highlight Kenya's developmental achievements, challenges, and aspirations on a global platform.
It will see him engage directly with the world’s most advanced economies, potentially unlocking new avenues for cooperation and investment.
Ruto confirmed attendance last week during a meeting in Bungoma.
G7 (Group of Seven) is an international forum held annually for leaders from France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada.
It is being held in the host country in order of rotating presidency.
The next summit will be held in Canada.