Ruto set to deliver state of the nation address on Thursday

President William Ruto is scheduled to speak to a joint sitting of Parliament on Thursday, November 20, 2025, for his annual State of the Nation Address.

According to a notice signed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the special sitting is confirmed.

It follows a formal notification from Ruto, who, under Article 132(1) of the Constitution, addresses the nation once a year to outline government priorities and report on progress in achieving national values and fulfilling international obligations.

“Following a notification by His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Speaker of the Senate have convened a special sitting of the Houses of Parliament for purposes of the President’s address,” the notice reads.

Standing Order 22(2) of the National Assembly and Standing Order 25(2) of the Senate provide the framework for notifying legislators of the session’s time, date, and venue.

The session will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the National Assembly Chamber at the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.

“Standing Order 22(2) of the National Assembly Standing Orders and Standing Order 25(2) of the Senate Standing Orders require the Speakers of the Houses of Parliament to, respectively, notify Members of Parliament of the place, date and time of a special sitting of the Houses of Parliament convened under Article 132(1)(b) of the Constitution,” the notice read

The annual presidential special sitting provides a platform for the president to update lawmakers and the public on government achievements, outline policy priorities, and set the agenda for the coming year.

The event is typically a joint session, with members of both the National Assembly and Senate in attendance.

During the formal procession into the Chamber, the President is traditionally preceded by the ceremonial maces of both Houses

The President is expected to use the address to present key milestones of his administration as it enters its third year in office.

Ruto last addressed Parliament on November 24, 2024.