Ruto Jets Out to Italy & Switzerland to Attend the G7 & Ukraine Talks

President William Ruto boarding a plane
President William Ruto boarding a plane
PCS

President William Ruto is set to leave the country on Thursday, June 13, evening for a visit to Italy.

In a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto will be in Italy to attend the G7 meeting following his invitation.

The Head of State will also address the high-level meeting on matters related to climate change.

He will also be advocating on behalf of the African Union (AU) on matters of reforms for global trade and peace among others.

President William Ruto speaking at the National Defence College in Karen on May 30, 2024
President William Ruto speaking at the National Defence College in Karen on May 30, 2024
PCS

"Tomorrow, at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, President Ruto will emphasise the importance of involving African countries in processes aimed at finding solutions to global challenges, such as climate change and conflicts," read the statement in part.

"He will also highlight Africa's potential for green industrialisation, digital revolution, and innovation. Additionally, he will underscore the need for reforms to achieve a fairer international financial system."

On Sunday, the President will then depart to Switzerland to engage with other leaders on the conflict in Ukraine.

Specifically, the President will be highlighting the impact of the conflict on Africa given that some countries in the continent import goods from Ukraine.

"He will offer solutions informed by Kenya's experiences in mediation and peacebuilding on the continent. The President will also advocate for a reformed, more representative, democratic, and effective United Nations system to better address global peace and security challenges.

"Additionally, President Ruto will hold several bilateral talks with various Heads of State and Government on the sidelines of both summits," read the statement in part.

The President's visit to Italy and Switzerland barely comes a week after he returned from South Korea for a summit.

The visits also come after he travelled to the United States of America on a State Visit.

Notably, concern as been raised over the numerous foreign visits that have been undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Already, in the first nine months of the 2023/2024 budget, the national government spent Ksh5.8 billion on foreign travel.

This was an increase of over Ksh1 billion from that recorded in the 2022/2023 budget.

"In the period under review, the total expenditure on travel was Ksh18.18 billion comprising Ksh12.33 billion and Ksh5.85 billion for domestic and foreign travel respectively.

"This recorded 29.2 per cent growth (Ksh4.11 billion consisting of Ksh2.94 billion and Kshs.1.17 billion for domestic and foreign travel respectively) compared to a similar period FY 2022/23," read the report in part.

Us President Joe Biden shakes hands with Kenyan President William Ruto during a state visit to the US on May 23, 2024
Us President Joe Biden shakes hands with Kenyan President William Ruto during a state visit to the US on May 23, 2024
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