President William Ruto has addressed concerns surrounding his frequent international travels, emphasizing that these trips are not mere leisure but are strategically planned to benefit Kenya’s development.
During a church service in Kimende, Kiambu County, Ruto clarified that his global visits aim to contribute to the nation’s progress rather than being perceived as luxury excursions.
“You have heard that I have toured many parts of the world, and I have traveled with a plan. I am not a tourist.
Because for this country to change, it has to be changed, and that is done by thoughts and plans,” Ruto stated.
He highlighted the specific example of the Minister of Labor, Florence Bore, currently in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that these visits are aimed at planning how Kenyan youth can secure employment globally.
Ruto expressed his belief that these strategic trips would lead to more Kenyans working abroad, thanks to bilateral agreements he has negotiated.
This, he argued, would help address the rising unemployment levels in the nation.
“There are some who will stay here in Rukuma and get jobs through the housing project, others will work in the ICT hub, and others will board planes to work outside the nation.
Didn’t we agree that kazi ni kazi?” posed the President.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura have also defended Ruto’s foreign trips, asserting that they are expected to yield substantial benefits for the nation.
Gachagua encouraged Ruto to continue these trips until a remedy for the nation’s economic challenges is found.
“Continue going anywhere in the world; anywhere you will find many benefits for Kenyans,” Gachagua stated.
Mwaura provided insights into the benefits of these international trips, claiming that they have resulted in Kenya gaining Ksh.2 trillion worth of advantages.
Notable achievements include an $8.7 billion agreement with the United States’ Millennium Change Corporation to finance electric buses for Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit system and securing $75 million in green investment to enhance climate action efforts.
Additionally, Mwaura mentioned talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to establish a grain hub in Mombasa and highlighted other accomplishments such as the Kenya embassy in Senegal and the establishment of the Kenya-Djibouti Council.
China also canceled visa application appointments for Kenyans, indicating positive outcomes from diplomatic engagements.
President Ruto Clarifies Purpose of Foreign Trips: “I’m Not a Tourist, I Travel With a Plan”, President Ruto Clarifies Purpose of Foreign Trips: “I’m Not a Tourist, I Travel With a Plan”
