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Ruto's Dairy: From Turkana cultural celebrations to Amboseli park transfer

He had a phone conversation with US president-elect Donald Trump on November 8.

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by FELIX KIPKEMOI

News17 November 2024 - 12:00
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In Summary


  • He wound up the week's activities by attending the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u in Embu.
  • Ruto later made a tour of Embu Level V Hospital.


President William Ruto with other Maa leaders in Samburu on November 8, 2024./PCS

The transfer of Amboseli National Park to Kajiado County was the standout event of the week in President William Ruto's schedule.

Conceived back in August 2023 as a presidential directive, the transfer came to fruition Thursday after the Cabinet discussed and approved it.

The Cabinet, chaired by the president is the country's top decision-making body.

The week also saw him engage in cultural celebrations.

He wound up the week by attending the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u in Embu.

This is how it went down.

Friday

The president was in Samburu for the annual Maa cultural festival. He was accompanied by Governor Lati Lelelit among other elected leaders.

This was the second time he attended the fete since he took to power.

In his address, he highlighted the country’s rich and diverse indigenous culture is our pride and treasure.

"We are protecting, nurturing and promoting it and, at the same time, incorporating culture in our development policies for our country’s sustainable growth," he said.

He later had a phone conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump where he congratulated him on his election.

Trump becomes the 47th president of the US.

According to Ruto, they discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance.

"I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative," he stated.

Saturday

He was at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia for the 20th anniversary celebrations.

Speaking during the event, he observed that the growth of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, from a cattle farm in Nanyuki to a leading wildlife sanctuary in the world, is a compelling story that human action has power over biodiversity.

"Through innovation, sustainable protection of endangered species and their habitats, and support to local communities, Ol Pejeta has established itself as a formidable model of conservation," he said.

Sunday

He joined worshippers at Ekambuli Church of God, Khwisero, Kakamega County.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has a word with President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the event in Embu on November 16, 2024.
President William Ruto admire the two Northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy on November 9, 2024./PCS

Tuesday

He hosted elected MPs from Nairobi county at State House.

The meeting was also attended by the Steering Committee of the Nairobi Rivers Basin Regeneration He said the regeneration programme was progressing well.

"With nearly 20,000 young people working in the programme every month, garbage has been cleared in 75km of the 94km-stretch of the Nairobi, Ngong and Mathare rivers," he said.

He added that another 69km of the basin has been unclogged and 56km levelled.

"To conserve the rivers' basin, 272,000 seedlings have been planted and 268 tree nurseries established," he said.

During a separate meeting with the leadership of Nairobi led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, he was briefed about the ambitious plan for the cleaning up of Mathare, Nairobi and Ngong rivers.

They also discussed the construction of roads, lighting and building of more classrooms in the city.

"Nairobi County is our country's capital city, the gateway to the East African region and therefore occupies a special place in National Government plans," said the head of state.

Nairobi Rivers Commission Chairperson Bishop Margaret Wanjiru was also present.

Wednesday

Ruto hosted MPs from Samburu, Turkana and Kakamega counties for a consultative meeting at State House.

In a statement, he said they discussed affordable housing, fresh produce markets, ICT hubs, electricity connectivity, and water and irrigation projects in their respective counties and constituencies.

The transformation of the country, he stated, is well underway with the economy having stabilised and food production significantly increased.

"The cost of living has substantially reduced and the entire Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is on course," he noted.

At the State House, he also received a special message from President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan through Special Envoy and Minister for Presidential Affairs Chol Ajongo.

He said the search for lasting peace in South Sudan is of paramount importance to its citizens and the East African region.

The Tumaini Initiative, which brings together government and opposition parties, continues to offer leadership for this noble task, he added.

Friday

He graced the Tangaza University graduation ceremony in Nairobi.

In his address, the president, in an apparent response to catholic Bishops over their fierce criticism of the government, emphasised the need for leaders to state the facts as they are.

Though he did not make a direct reference to the Bishops, he urged them to be factual.

"Even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual, lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing...I know you I know what I mean," Ruto said.

Saturday


He wound up the week's activities by attending the consecration and installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung'u in Embu.

Also, present was retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto later made a tour of Embu Level V Hospital to assess the roll-out of our Universal Health Coverage.


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