The swearing-in of new Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was the highlight of the week in President William Ruto's diary.
Kenyans from all walks of life thronged KICC Friday to witness the event.
Kindiki replaces Rigathi Gachagua who was impeached by parliament.
While the week was not as busy for Ruto, a couple of activities had been lined up for him in Nairobi.
Friday (October 25)
He attended the 8th edition of the Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong’u Lore, in Lodwar.
During the event, he announced the development of Kenya: Home of Human Origins Museum and Science Park at Namortunga Kalokol — a transformative project for scientific research, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism.
According to the head of state, cultural experiences offer leisure, learning, entertainment, and economic opportunities while encouraging shared connections.
Sunday
The Head of State joined worship at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County.
Monday
He presided over the passing-out parade of KFS inspector cadets and forester trainees at the NYS headquarters in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In his address, Ruto stated that the reforms instituted at KFS two years ago have started to pay off with illegal logging reducing by 90 per cent in the same period.
KFS, he added, now largely runs its operations from internally generated revenue, reducing dependency on the Exchequer.
"This trajectory should be emulated by other government agencies," he said.
On the same day, he held talks with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William J Burns. The meeting was held at State House Nairobi.
Peace and security in the region, he said, has significantly been boosted by the close collaboration between Kenya and partners around the world.
Through this, he stated that they have substantially rolled back the threat of terrorism, radicalisation, violent extremism and organised crime.
He also met the High-Level Standing Committee for South Sudan, led by Minister Martin Elia Lomuro, who also conveyed a message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the initiative.
In a statement, he expressed his satisfaction with the progress the Tumaini Initiative is making in restoring peace and stability in South Sudan.
He stated that Kenya remains committed to supporting its successful conclusion for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.
Tuesday
At State House, he presided over the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Task Force on the School Meals Coalition.
According to the Head of State, by 2030, every child — especially the vulnerable ones — will receive a healthy and nutritious meal in school.
"This will dignify them, increase enrolment, enhance attendance and boost performance," he remarked.
Wednesday
He hosted Kenyan Asians at State House to lit lamps to celebrate Diwali. Diwali is the Festival of Lights.
Speaking during the event, Ruto reassured Kenyans that his administration will not in any way interfere with the right to religion.
He gave an undertaking that the government would protect the sacred provision of the right to worship by all Kenyans and all religions.
He also promised to consider a request by the Hindu community in Kenya to make Diwali a national public holiday.
The Indian leadership had asked the President to honour them as all other major religions have national public holidays.
"We are requesting you make a Hindu Diwali Day a national public holiday," the leadership said.
Thursday
Ruto flew out to Burundi for the 23rd COMESA head of state summit. During the meeting, President Evariste Ndayishimiye assumed the role of Chair of the regional bloc, succeeding Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema.
It was themed “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism. It was aimed at setting the agenda for advancing collaboration across these key sectors.
Friday
In his address during the swearing-in of Kindiki, Ruto heaped praises on him saying he is an exemplary example of a qualified, committed and outstanding scholar.
According to him, Kindiki's selflessness, competence, experience and focus will mobilise the government towards delivering for the people of Kenya.
He stated that Kenyans require a public servant and a consummate champion of our constitutional dispensation.
"The public official must be a dedicated and loyal leader who will break ethnic barriers and inspire inclusivity and unity besides supporting the Cabinet and the Presidency in delivering in full and on time for the people," said Ruto.
He later hosted leaders for a luncheon at the State House and also presided over an event to mark Taxpayers’ Day.
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) organises the event to recognise and celebrate businesses and individual taxpayers who have been compliant in remitting their taxes during the year.
