President William Ruto addressed the diplomatic corps in Nairobi, presenting an ambitious vision for Kenya’s foreign relations that emphasizes regional conflict resolution and sustainable development. This annual event takes place amidst ongoing tensions in East Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan.
In his speech at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto noted the significant expansion of Kenya’s diplomatic presence, stating, “Since independence, we have grown our diplomatic footprint from six missions to 70 stations worldwide,” as he addressed ambassadors and representatives from international organizations.
The 2024 revision of Kenya’s foreign policy is at the heart of this renewed vision. “Our policy reaffirms our commitment to international partnerships, regional cooperation, sustainable development, and establishes Kenya as a key player in global affairs,” Ruto explained, outlining his government’s priorities.
On the economic front, the President highlighted notable progress. “Our bottom-up economic transformation agenda is central to our development strategy,” he stated, citing the expansion of the fiber optic network, which now spans “more than 18,000 kilometers” in just two years.
Regarding regional conflicts, Ruto, who currently chairs the East African Community (EAC), emphasized the situation in the DRC. “We have called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a peaceful resolution through a coordinated Nairobi-Rwanda process,” he asserted, firmly stating that “there is no military solution to the problems in the DRC.”
Kenya is also taking a leadership role in combating climate change. “More than 93% of our electricity comes from renewable resources,” Ruto noted, mentioning a national reforestation campaign that has led to “the planting and growth of 750 million trees in 2024.”
In a notable announcement for continental politics, Ruto officially endorsed a prominent candidate: “Kenya is proud to nominate our esteemed pan-Africanist, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.”
AC/lb/abj/APA