As African leaders keep their military generals in check to stop the coup de tat avalanche, Kenyan President William Ruto has staked a claim to be Africa’s leading voice on issues that affect the continent.
Heavy International relations have been perhaps the biggest achievement on the Kenya Kwanza scorecard, as President Ruto traversed the world to boost partnerships, secure trade deals and cement Kenya’s position as Africa’s Hub in the East.
Since the Death of Muamar Gaddaffi, Africa has been without an outspoken continental leader who would speak at the rich nations.
Dr. Ruto was elected in September of last year as an underdog with an unclear foreign policy.
His former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, rose from an isolated suspect of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court to a Western darling due to his charisma and charm in addressing regional security and integration issues.
President Ruto has so far visited Belgium, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Germany, Israel, Mozambique, Netherlands, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Zambia, Burundi, France, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
His agenda; fair financial system to ensure Africa recieves fair rates for loans from Brent Woods institutions such as the World Bank.
Ruto has also been praised for his climate action leadership and push to include youth in the climate conversation.
So far, Kenya is poised to be a regional hub for international institutions which will set up their regional headquarters.
WHO, United Nations, Bill and Melinda Gates, AfDB are among institutions seeking to scale up their African operations through Kenya.
African Union is also on the verge of securing the critical G20 Summit seat to have a say on World policies.
Dr. Ruto said he believes Africa should be viewed as an investment destination rather than just a market.
However, he added a caveat: cooperation with Africa may not work if it is based on selective criteria, especially given that the majority of Africa’s problems are interconnected.
Now a successful #AfricaClimateSummit23 has birthed the #NairobiDeclaration, Africa’s climate action demands to the World, cements Ruto’s position on top of Africa.
