President William Ruto has dismissed claims that Kenya’s relationship with China could be affected following his visit to the United States of America.
Ruto who spoke during an interview with CNN clarified that Kenya would not take sides when it comes to bilateral relations with countries in the East and those in the West.
The Head of State clarified that Kenya would work with both China and the US to ensure it benefits through investments.
According to Ruto, there have been attempts to put Kenya into a position that would force it to take sides on working with either of the countries.
He noted that Kenya was focused on development and that it would cooperate with all the countries regardless of criticism of visiting the US.
“Many people want to pull us to a conversation to whether we are facing east or west, let me tell you, we are neither facing west nor east, we are facing forward,” Ruto clarified.
“That is where the opportunities are and we are working in a manner to make sure we put resources where opportunities are.”
While reiterating his stance, Ruto revealed that Kenya had already secured a deal with Microsoft to put up a mega data centre that would enhance the country's agenda on digital growth.
"We are working with those who can help unlock these opportunities, make them into investments, create jobs, and create wealth," Ruto stated.
Ruto's sentiments come against the backdrop of claims that the United States was using Kenya to cut Chinese dominance in East Africa's most stable economy.
US President Joe Biden during his speech at the White House, showered the Kenyan president with praise as he termed his leadership style as one of the best.
“President, your bold leadership on this front has been important and particularly impactful. Together, the United States and Kenya are working to deliver on the challenges that matter most to our people's lives," Biden commented.
