This week, President William Ruto embarked on a whirlwind international tour, focusing primarily on strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic ties, advocating for global reforms, and assessing the progress of Kenyan forces deployed under international missions. The President began his travels with a stop in the United States, where he attended the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a key annual event that brings together world leaders to discuss critical global challenges.
Haiti Visit and the Multinational Security Support Mission
President Ruto made an important stop in Haiti, visiting Kenyan police officers deployed under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). His visit came exactly 100 days after their deployment, and he expressed pride in the progress made by the Kenyan contingent in helping restore stability in Haiti. Ruto met with the Transitional Presidential Council, led by President Edgard Le Leblanc, and other Haitian leaders, urging them to capitalize on the relative calm to push for sustainable reforms. He also promised to increase Kenya’s commitment by deploying 600 additional officers to support the mission further.
This visit positioned Ruto to engage more effectively with other world leaders on Haiti during the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the need for the international community to seize this critical opportunity to fulfill the Security Council Resolution 2699 mandate and secure long-term peace and stability for Haiti.
Advocating for Global Reforms at the Summit of the Future
After his stop in Haiti, President Ruto returned to New York, where he participated in the Summit of the Future’s interactive dialogue session. His speech focused on the structural and financial inequities that continue to hinder the global South, especially African countries, from achieving their developmental goals. He highlighted issues such as limited fiscal capacity, rising debt levels, and unfair credit ratings that disproportionately affect developing nations. These challenges, according to Ruto, pose a serious threat to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The President called for the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain to act as a turning point. He stressed the need for substantial reforms to bridge financing gaps, rebuild trust in multilateral systems, and provide developing nations with a fairer playing field. His emphasis was clear: without significant reforms, the world risks falling short of achieving the SDGs, which could worsen inequalities and hinder global development.
Bilateral Talks and Strengthening Partnerships
During his time in New York, Ruto held a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing Kenya’s diplomatic and economic relations with various nations. In a meeting with Finland President Alexander Stubb, the two leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties and addressing shared global challenges like climate change and security. This meeting underscored the strong and longstanding relationship between Kenya and Finland, which has been built on mutual interests and cooperation.
Ruto also met with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and their discussions centered on enhancing trade and investment relations between Kenya and Kuwait. Key areas of cooperation included education, the development of Special Economic Zones, and labor agreements that would benefit both nations.
In his meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Ruto discussed plans to open a Kenyan embassy in Iraq, signaling a deeper engagement between the two nations. He also explored the potential for expanding trade, particularly in agricultural products such as tea, coffee, and beef, which are crucial to Kenya’s export economy. Ruto’s engagement with Iraq is part of his broader strategy to secure new markets for Kenyan products, particularly in the Middle East.
Supporting the Kenyan Diaspora and Engagement at the United Nations
On Monday, President Ruto met with members of the Kenyan diaspora working at the United Nations. He highlighted their contributions to Kenya’s global standing and assured them of the government’s commitment to expanding labor mobility programs, providing more opportunities for Kenyans to work abroad. More than 1,800 Kenyans currently work at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and Ruto’s government is keen on harnessing the diaspora’s potential to contribute to national development.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Ruto delivered a powerful speech calling for urgent reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He pointed out the inadequacies of the current system in addressing pressing global crises such as climate change, inequality, and conflict. Ruto urged world leaders to take decisive action to overhaul multilateral institutions, warning that failure to do so could lead to an unprecedented global crisis.
Ruto also co-chaired the US-Kenya Business and Investment Roundtable at the Westin Hotel, New York, where he emphasized Kenya’s ongoing efforts to improve its business environment and attract more international investors. The event brought together key figures from the Corporate Council on Africa and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, all of whom are critical stakeholders in enhancing Kenya’s economic growth through foreign investment.
Rallying Support for the Multinational Security Support Mission
Throughout the week, Ruto continued to focus on rallying international support for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. In a meeting with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, the two leaders agreed to mobilize the global community to provide the necessary resources for the mission. Ruto also secured commitments from Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, who pledged additional medical supplies, evacuation support, and troops to aid the mission’s success.
Ruto’s meeting with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands focused on providing financial solutions to economically disadvantaged communities, a key part of Kenya’s strategy to foster economic inclusion and growth. He also met Senegal President Diomaye Faye to discuss deepening ties in areas such as peace, development, and continental integration.
During the Atlantic Council of Global Citizen Awards dinner, Ruto introduced Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was being honored with the 2024 Global Citizen Award. Ruto used this opportunity to advocate for greater commitment from African leaders towards the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving economic growth and prosperity across the continent.
Championing Climate Action and Sustainable Development
Climate action remained a central theme in President Ruto’s engagements throughout the week. In his meeting with World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain, he discussed expanding Kenya’s school feeding program to boost enrollment, particularly in marginalized areas. This is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to address food insecurity and promote education as a driver of long-term development.
Ruto also co-hosted the Global Renewables Summit with Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, where he reiterated the importance of addressing Africa’s energy challenges. Africa, despite having abundant renewable energy resources, receives less than two percent of global renewable energy investment. Ruto advocated for correcting this imbalance to unlock Africa’s industrialization potential and reduce energy poverty, which hinders the continent’s economic development.
At a high-level event on multilateralism and HIV response, hosted by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s successful deployment of community health promoters to deliver essential healthcare to vulnerable populations. He praised the power of multilateralism in fostering partnerships that drive global health progress, especially in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Addressing Global Environmental Challenges and Economic Disparities
President Ruto concluded his busy week by hosting the Galvanizing Momentum for the Global Plastic Pollution Instrument meeting, where he stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling plastic pollution. A global treaty, he argued, would enhance efforts to reduce plastic waste, promote circular economies, and create a coordinated response to the environmental crisis.
He also met with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Paris Pact for the People and the Planet Coalition meeting, where they discussed the need for a more equitable international financial system. Ruto reiterated that Africa should not have to choose between poverty eradication and protecting the planet, emphasizing that climate-resilient financial solutions are critical to achieving both.
In his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ruto discussed the implementation of the Railway City project and extending the strategic partnership between Kenya and the UK. They also explored ways to expand trade and cooperation on climate financing and renewable energy initiatives, key areas of focus for both nations.
Conclusion
President William Ruto’s week abroad underscored Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage. From addressing security challenges in Haiti to championing reforms in multilateral financial institutions, climate action, and international cooperation, Ruto positioned Kenya as a key player in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. His numerous bilateral meetings and engagements with global leaders highlighted his commitment to fostering strong partnerships and advocating for a more just and equitable international system. Through his leadership, Kenya continues to enhance its role in shaping global policy and driving sustainable development.
