Global Summit to local tour: A look into Ruto's busy week

In a dynamic week marked by international diplomacy and local engagement, President William Ruto showcased his diplomatic skills and political outreach.

After a successful visit to Japan, the president swiftly transitioned to the World Summit in Dubai before embarking on a crucial three-day tour of the Mount Kenya region, concluding on Friday.

Following his visit to Japan, Ruto jetted off to Dubai for the World Summit, where leaders addressed pressing global challenges.

The President participated in high-level discussions on post-pandemic economic recovery, international cooperation for peace, and combating climate change.

In his address at the Summit, he emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for meaningful progress on these global fronts, highlighting the transformative power of innovation while cautioning against potential risks.

Ruto also highlighted the transformative power of innovation while cautioning against potential risks.

The Head of State also acknowledged the groundbreaking role played by M-Pesa in Kenya's digital landscape.

"The country's banking sector was up in arms, Safaricom had set out to conduct banking business without either obtaining a banking license or undergoing the rigors of banking regulation," Ruto said.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the President held talks with several African leaders on the sidelines of the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai.

The climax of President Ruto’s week unfolded during his three-day tour of the Mount Kenya region.

Over the past three days, the President and his deputy visited Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kiambu counties, bringing various initiatives and projects that were well-received by the residents.

On Wednesday, Ruto inaugurated the Nyambari-Mai Mahiu road, laid a foundation stone at Soko Mjinga market in Kiambu, and commissioned the Kenya Medical Training College Kangema campus, allocating Sh200 million.

He also pledged Sh100 million to support the expansion of Kangema Sub-county Hospital.

On Thursday, the President commissioned the Ithanga water project in Murang’a, constructed in partnership with the Belgium Development Corporation for Sh3.6 billion.

Additionally, he launched the Makenji Housing Project in Kandara Constituency, the Maragua Bulk Water Project, and the Changachicha Water Project in Chinga, Othaya Constituency.

Still on the same day, Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo met with President Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

This came moments after Obasanjo endorsed Azimio leader Raila Odinga for the African Union (AU) Commission chair.

On Thursday evening, Ruto and Gachagua held a consultative meeting with Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lounge.

On Friday, President Ruto inaugurated the Blue Valley Housing in Nyeri Town Constituency, laid the foundation stone for the Mathira Irrigation Project in Ihwagi, Mathira Constituency, and launched the Rwabura Irrigation in Ituramiro, Gatundu South Constituency.

While speaking in Nyeri, President Ruto congratulated the electorate for supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He expressed a commitment to continue launching development projects aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth.

Ruto highlighted plans to build 2,000 housing units in Nyeri, providing opportunities for 3,500 youths, and urged parliament to pass the long-contested affordable housing bill.

“We have so many youths at home without jobs, the government has plans on how the youths will have opportunity to get employment in housing projects,” Ruto said.

The tour concluded on Friday, with President Ruto expressing gratitude for the warm reception and pledging continued commitment to the region’s development.

From Mount Kenya, the President swiftly boarded a plane to Ethiopia, where further diplomatic engagements awaited.

He attended the 37th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

During the summit, Ruto spoke on the education inequalities in Africa, which have left 98 million children in Africa without access to schooling.

He will also deliver a report on the strides the continent has made in mitigating the climate crisis.

On his Ethiopia trip, the Head of State landed a new position.

Ruto was picked as the new African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, at the ongoing Assembly of the African Union heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa.

In his new capacity, Ruto will among other things provide political leadership and vision that will contribute towards completing the Comprehensive Institutional Reform Initiative.

The reforms started in 2016.

President Ruto takes over from President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who previously held the position.

The events of this week underscore the intricate balance required for a leader navigating both domestic and international responsibilities.