President William Ruto is poised to make his first State of the Nation address next week, marking a significant moment in his leadership since assuming office in September of the previous year.

A recently published gazette notice has revealed that President Ruto will deliver this important address during a joint session of the National Assembly and the Senate on November 9, 2023. The announcement was made by the Speakers of both Houses, with Moses Wetangula presiding over the National Assembly and Amason Kingi leading the Senate. They have called upon all members of the two legislative bodies to be present for this address at 2:30 PM.

The notice reads, “Notice is given to all Members of the National Assembly and the general public that, pursuant to Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution of Kenya and Standing Order 22 of the National Assembly Standing Orders, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, His Excellency Hon. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., shall address a Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday, 9th November, 2023, at 2.30 p.m., in the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi,” as stated by Wetangula.

Kingi, in a similar notification included in the gazette, reiterated the message, saying, “Accordingly, pursuant to Standing Order 25 of the Senate Standing Orders, I notify all Senators that a special sitting of Parliament shall be held on Thursday, 9th November 2023, at 2.30 p.m., at the National Assembly Chamber, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.”

The last State of the Nation address was delivered by former President Uhuru Kenyatta on November 30, 2021. Notably, this address took place months before the General Election, during which President Ruto emerged victorious in the presidential race and was subsequently inaugurated on September 13, 2022. The nation now eagerly awaits President Ruto’s assessment of the country’s current status and his vision for the future in his upcoming address.