President Ruto Resumes International Travels

President’s Diary: Ruto Resumes International Travels with China Summit Attendance

President William Ruto’s week was marked by a notable resumption of international engagements, highlighted by his participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in China. This trip, his second international journey since a two-month hiatus due to nationwide protests, follows his earlier visit to Rwanda for President Paul Kagame’s inauguration on August 11.

In China, Ruto was accompanied by First Lady Rachael, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and other cabinet members. The summit offered an opportunity for Africa to renew its partnership with China, a development Ruto welcomed, praising China’s role as a key development partner in Kenya’s infrastructure growth.

During the summit, Ruto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, where they discussed market access for Kenyan agricultural products and regional infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the SGR and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway.

Ruto also engaged with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang and President Denis Sassou Nguesso of Congo-Brazzaville, seeking support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chair. Additionally, he met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun, where Kenya was officially admitted as a fully paid member, granting access to concessional funding for infrastructure and other development projects.

The President’s visit included discussions with the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) about ongoing and upcoming projects in Kenya. Ruto’s schedule also featured meetings with leaders from Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Togo, Chad, Zambia, and IMF Director for Africa, Abebe Aemro Selassie, emphasizing Kenya’s commitment to economic growth and financial stability.

Ruto’s week concluded with his co-chairing of a high-level meeting on the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring its benefits for productivity and economic opportunity, particularly for women and youth. He wrapped up his visit with a meeting with Somalia’s President Hassan Mohamud, accompanied by Raila Odinga and Musalia Mudavadi.