WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Lighter schedule, fewer counties for Ruto

This ending week appeared to be relatively less demanding for President William Ruto, with a lighter schedule and fewer counties on his itinerary.

In our weekly roundup of his diary, we observed that he only traversed two counties before returning to Nairobi.

As has been the tradition for over several years, the head of state hosted the Kenya National Music Festival finalists at the Eldoret State Lodge before crossing over to Nandi and Kakamega.

In Nandi County, he commissioned the Nandi Hills water project, which is currently supplying 250,000 litres of water a day to 1,000 households.

It is set for expansion to benefit at least 10,000 in three years.

In Kakamega, Ruto also commissioned the Malava Cluster Water Supply Project, Lot III, in Namanja.

With a daily supply capacity of 1.2 million litres a day, the water project will serve more than 100,000 people in Chemuche, East Kabras, South Kabras, Shirugu Mugai, Butali Chegulo and Manda Shivaga.

"We will leave no one behind in our quest to providing sufficient and safe water for households," he said.

Sunday

The President was the chief guest during the 42nd graduation ceremony at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, in Nandi.

During the event, he was honoured with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in Leadership from the institution.

Monday

Ruto received the Muslim World League officials who were visiting the country at State House, Nairobi.

They were led by Secretary General Mohammed Abdul Karim Alissa.

In a statement issued to newsrooms after the meeting, Ruto said Kenya deeply values the strong ties it has with Saudi Arabia, especially in trade, business, and people-to-people relations.

“We value our partnership, which underscores our shared commitment to peace and inter-faith harmony,” he said.

He also stated that the government appreciates their efforts in supporting vulnerable communities across Kenya.

Tuesday

The Head of State witnessed the swearing-in of Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and EAC Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul.

The newly appointed broad-based Cabinet must now get down to work and serve Kenyans with distinction.

Oduor is the first woman AG in Kenya.

He also presided over the handing over of end-of-term reports for various Commissions and Independent Offices.

In his address, he emphasised the need to cut redundancies and anchor into law progressive legislation that will enhance the interdependence of Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices.

The tenure of chairpersons and commissioners of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, Commission of Administration of Justice, Gender and Equality Commission and Independent Police Oversight Authority is coming to an end.

During the same day, he was at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) where he addressed a meeting of Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners and Deputy County Commissioners.

He assured them that the government will support and facilitate them to offer leadership in their respective jurisdictions to help unlock our potential and make Kenya move forward.

Wednesday

He held talks with Ahmed Ali Dinar, leader of the Fur in Darfur and Abdulwahid Mohammed Ahmed Alnour, Chairman and Founder of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.

The two, Ruto said, gave him an update on the progress made by civilian coalition groups in addressing the challenges facing Sudan.

He was also briefed me on the dire humanitarian situation, emphasizing the severe famine and food crisis affecting the people of Sudan.

“I encouraged these groups to continue strengthening their collaboration with all relevant institutions and stakeholders, including the Geneva Initiative, to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan,” he said.

Ruto further used the opportunity to appeal to the international community and humanitarian agencies to step up and provide the essential support needed by the people of Sudan.

He later met the Children Investment Fund Foundation leadership led by its CEO Kate Hampton.

According to the head of state, Kenya appreciates the support that it continues to receive from the Children Investment Fund Foundation in improving the lives of our children.

“We look forward to scaling up our ties in community health service programmes and climate change,” he said.

Thursday

Ruto held talks with leaders from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera Counties.

He said they agreed to fast-track the implementation of programmes and infrastructure including roads and water, education, health, agriculture, and enhancing security in the North eastern region.

He wrapped up the day with a meeting of women leaders from the same region.

Ruto reaffirmed his commitment women leaders in the management of the affairs of the country to ensure inclusive development.

“We are all better off when our women — especially those from marginalised areas — are empowered and included in decision-making,” he noted.