‘I’m Not A Tourist, I Travel With A Plan’: President Ruto Defends His Foreign Trips
President William Ruto has persistently sought to explain his often-criticized frequent journeys abroad, which have drawn mockery from some Kenyans.
During a Sunday church service in Kimende, Kiambu County, Ruto emphasized that his frequent State visits serve the purpose of fostering Kenya’s development and should not be misconstrued as indulgent trips.
“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,” he said.
“As we speak our CS for Labour (Florence Bore) is in Saudi Arabia because we want to plan how our youth will get jobs everywhere.”
Ruto further mentioned that as a result of the bilateral agreements he has successfully secured, the upcoming trips will result in an increased number of Kenyans seeking employment opportunities overseas. He sees this as a solution to alleviate the escalating unemployment rates in the country.
“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 the go 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 recently upheld the Head of State’s travels, emphasizing that these trips are expected to generate substantial advantages for the country.
Gachagua has encouraged his superior to persist with the journeys until a solution to the country’s struggling economy is discovered.
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“Continue going anywhere in the world, anywhere you will find many benefits for Kenyans,” he said.
Mwaura suggested that Kenya has reaped benefits valued at Ksh.2 trillion from its international journeys, encompassing agreements forged with major global powers such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.
Mwaura mentioned several investments, among them the recent approval of a Ksh.8.7 billion ($60 million) deal with the United States Millennium Change Corporation (MCC) to fund the purchase of electric buses for Nairobi’s Bus Rapid Transit system’s Line 2.
He additionally highlighted that Kenya secured $75 million in environmentally friendly investments to enhance its initiatives addressing climate change. Moreover, he mentioned that discussions have taken place between the President and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky regarding establishing a grain center in Mombasa.
He mentioned additional accomplishments such as the presence of Kenya’s embassy in Senegal, the formation of the Kenya-Djibouti Council, and China’s recent decision to cancel scheduled visa application appointments for Kenyan citizens.
‘I’m Not A Tourist, I Travel With A Plan’: President Ruto Defends His Foreign Trips
