President William Ruto has said that Kenya and the United States will continue strengthening their strong diplomatic ties under the administration of the newly sworn-in President Donald Trump.
The President noted that the Trump administration's policies align with those of Kenya, further strengthening the existing bonds between the two nations.
He welcomed President Trump's decision to sign an Executive Order that directs that the US Government recognise only two biological sexes, male and female, as determined at conception.
He noted that, unlike the previous policy, this directive aligns with the core beliefs of the Kenyan faith and is firmly rooted in Kenyan traditions.
"This policy directive supports what we believe in: That boys must remain boys, men must remain men, girls must remain girls and women must remain women," he said.
The President spoke on Sunday during the Global Cathedral Sunday service held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre's COMESA Grounds in Nairobi.
Ruto also welcomed the Trump administration's commitment to support the security support mission in Haiti, which Kenya has been honoured to lead.
“I am very proud that President Trump and the new administration support Kenya’s mission in Haiti to help the men, women, and children of that nation live in peace and stability,” he said.
The President said Kenya is in Haiti to play its internationally renowned role of security diplomacy in response to a request by the United States last year.
At the same time, Ruto said the country continues to show clear signs of economic stability and growth.
He pointed out that inflation and interest rates have significantly declined, while the exchange rate has stabilised.
As a result, he noted that the country received very good news yesterday from Moody's, a global credit rating agency, which has reviewed Kenya’s financial outlook from negative to positive, demonstrating confidence in the country’s future.
“There are already signs that God is taking our country places,” he said.
On Saturday, Moody’s cited potential ease in liquidity risks and improving debt affordability over time for the positive rating.
Moody’s, however, affirmed that the local and foreign-currency long-term issuer ratings and foreign-currency senior unsecured debt ratings still stand at CAA1.
It also observed elevated credit risks driven by very weak debt affordability and high gross financing needs relative to funding options.
"Given low inflation and a stable exchange rate, there is potential for further reductions in domestic borrowing costs as past monetary policy rate cuts pass through to lower long-term borrowing costs," Moody's said.
Kenya has been struggling with heavy debt and looking for new financing lines since last year due to nationwide protests against proposed tax increases.
The President was accompanied by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku and Cabinet Secretaries Soipan Tuya (Defence) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism) and MPs.
