Ruto Vows to Maintain Foreign Travel Despite Protest

President William Ruto has now defended his numerous foreign trips, stating that his goal is to benefit Kenyans.

The President made this statement in response to complaints from some Kenyans about his frequent overseas visits, especially at a time when the cost of living is becoming increasingly challenging.

So far, President Ruto has embarked on more than 38 trips since taking office in September 2022, making him the President with the highest number of foreign visits in just one year in office.

However, while addressing an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Eldoret Diocese of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) on Sunday, October 29, 2023, the President dismissed these “complaints,” describing them as baseless.

Read also:Kalonzo Urges Ruto to Halt East African Portland Demolitions

President Ruto stated, “These trips have enabled us to sign several trade agreements. Recently, I was in Saudi Arabia, where, in the next three weeks, we will sign a significant agreement with the nation. I was informed that there are job opportunities for 350,000 Kenyans. We will also sign another deal with the European Parliament to open up opportunities for Kenya to export its agricultural products to the 27 member countries of the union. In the coming days, the President of the European Parliament will visit our country to sign this agreement.”

President Ruto’s statement comes a few days after he announced a reduction in travel allowances by nearly Ksh 500 million, redirecting the funds to the special education sector.

Over the past 14 months, some of the countries President Ruto has visited include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, China, the Netherlands, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Zambia, and Burundi.

On Friday, October 27, 2023, President Ruto made another low-key visit to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) without the usual fanfare that accompanies his departures from the country.