ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula announced on Sunday that the party will be holding talks with other rival political outfits in the coming days after losing its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election. With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, the party garnered 40 per cent of the vote, ending its 30-year dominance since the end of apartheid in 1994.
“The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that is able to govern effectively. The ANC is committed to pursue a path of fundamental social and economic change for which it has received a firm mandate.
“Over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people, and that are able to take the country forward,” Mbalula stated.
In South Africa, unlike many countries in the African continent, the president is elected by Parliament after national elections.
Among the parties ANC is expected to engage are John Steenhuisen’s Democratic Alliance, which received 21 per cent of the vote, and the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) of former President Jacob Zuma, who has turned against the ANC he once led. The MKP ranked third with just over 14 per cent of the vote in the first election it has contested. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) finished fourth with just over 9 per cent.
Mbalula said the ANC would not consider any demands from potential coalition partners that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for negotiations.
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen,” the SG said, adding, “We don’t have such a mandate. We are not going to engage with political parties on the basis that we don’t want to talk to so-and-so. That is a no-go area for anyone. If you come to us with such a demand, forget it.”
Mbalula further noted that the ANC has many reservations about MKP, saying, “But we will talk to them.”
“If you come to us with the demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President, that is not going to happen.” – ANC SG, Cde Fikile Mbalula on non-negotiables during coalition talks#ANCThanksSApic.twitter.com/NHiGbcVgSD
During the presser, the ANC accepted its shortcomings, telling South Africans the results sent a strong message to the once-dominant party.
“We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have ward them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction,” the party said amid concerns over joblessness, inequality and power shortages in the country.
The 2024 election results mark a significant drop from the 57.5 per cent the legacy party of Nelson Mandela garnered in the 2019 parliamentary election.
The inaugural summit scheduled for 4-5 June will draw delegations from African countries and related international organizations, key figures from Korean and international business communities, academia, civil society groups, and the press, among others.
The summit, themed ‘The future we make together: Shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity,’ will be hosted by the Korean government. It will be co-chaired by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed El Ghazouani, who is also the African Union Chairman.
According to the organizers, the summit marks Korea and Africa’s strong commitment to enhancing their cooperation.
The summit aims to explore cooperative strategies to foster collective resilience and unity for sustainable development. It will prioritize addressing global issues such as climate change, food security, supply chain stability, and health security.
The Summit will feature a session for the heads of state and international organizations and a series of conference sessions across a wide range of topics, including business, agriculture, ICT, forestry and desertification, vaccine and health security, tourism and energy.
When she presented her letters of credence to President Paul Kagame on March 26, the High Commissioner committed to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries as well as helping Kenya retain its position as one of Rwanda’s top three trade partners.
Notably, Kenya exports foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutical products, cement, iron, and skin products to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, horticultural foods, and raw hides and skins to Kenya. Kenya is also the main route for Rwanda’s exports and imports through the Port of Mombasa.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the Rwandan ambassador discusses, among others, her efforts to strengthen ties between Kenya and Rwanda, ongoing economic and social cooperation, and the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region.
{{You have been in Rwanda for a few months now. How has your experience been so far?}}
Before my posting here, I had not been to Rwanda, but I had heard a lot about Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the countries that Kenyans speak a lot about. I was really looking forward to coming to Rwanda, and when I got this posting, I was quite excited.
Having landed in Rwanda, the first thing that struck me was the reception that Rwanda gave me as a Kenyan ambassador. It was very warm, and that spoke to the relationship that Rwanda has had with Kenya ever since they began bilateral relations. I had a very warm welcome here. Very cordial relations between Kenya and Rwanda are evident because, although I have been here for a short period, we have hosted quite a number of high-level dignitaries.
We have had Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) here in a span of two to three months. We had the CS for Sports, who came to attend the late Gervais Hakizimana’s burial. We had our CS for Transport, and then we had our Deputy President attending Kwibuka, representing our President. Then, just last week, we had our Head of State attending the CEO forum. That just shows how cordial we are with Rwanda. That is one of the areas that really impresses me as a new High Commissioner here.
Another thing I must say about Rwanda is it has beautiful and receptive people. We share a lot in terms of traditions, culture, and customs. When they speak Kinyarwanda, I understand it, being Bantu. We have a shared history and customs that make it very easy for a Kenyan to assimilate in Rwanda.
I will not finish this without talking about how organized Kigali is. I have not yet been able to move to other parts of Rwanda. I intend to do that within a short period of time, but I can speak about Kigali. The infrastructure is just amazing, with a very organized way of doing things. It has been a great experience.
{{Did you ever envision being an ambassador?}}
Not at all, actually. It was a surprise, but it’s something that I received with a lot of gratitude. I’ve worked with UNON and UNEP before, so I am not completely new to bilateral and international relations. That background gives me a good backdrop to deliver on this posting. It was a very exciting appointment, and what better country than Rwanda?
{{Kenya and Rwanda enjoy strong bilateral relations. What will be your key priorities in strengthening this partnership?}}
My main priority is to strengthen the already existing very good relations. My second priority would be trade and investment. We have many Kenyan companies doing business here, and there is a lot of trade between Rwanda and Kenya that I would love to see strengthened. Of great importance is the Northern Corridor, with Rwanda being a strategic country for Kenya that I want to see strengthened.
We have had a couple of engagements. Just last week, Kenya Pipeline and Kenya Ports Authority paid us a courtesy visit, and we had quite a number of engagements with the Rwandan authorities in the Ministry of Trade to see how we can enhance our use of the Northern Corridor. We also had MoUs signed when the President came here last year in April for a state visit, invited by His Excellency Paul Kagame. A few have been implemented, while others are still awaiting a mid-term review sometime in June. It’s very important for me to see that the MoUs are implemented and to take care of our large diaspora presence. We have about 8,000 Kenyans living in Rwanda, and I want to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
{{During President Ruto’s visit to Rwanda in April last year, Kenya and Rwanda signed 10 MoUs aimed at enhancing cooperation in several areas, including education, ICT, health, gender and child development, youth and capacity development for the public service, as well as correctional services. What is the progress in the implementation of the agreements?}}
We have two of them actualized. We have a couple going for midterm review, and we are in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here. We are looking at June to fast track implementation, with a few still waiting for signatures. We are actively working to push the MoUs to fruition.
{{Early May, Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen met with his counterparts from Uganda, DRC, South Sudan, and Rwanda to discuss plans to extend the railway network to these four countries. Previous plans to extend the railway network to Uganda faced financial challenges. For someone hearing this for the first time, how is the new plan different?}}
What they agreed upon is that Kenya is going to work together with Uganda to build a railway from Naivasha, where it has currently reached, to Kisumu and Malaba. I am aware that Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are collaborating to finance the railway network.
If actualized, Rwanda will pay less for products. Using the SGR has been a challenging area for them because their products come to Naivasha, where they have to store them and then use the road. So, they end up paying twice: once for the road and once for the SGR. This will be a win for both Kenya and Rwanda once actualized.
{{Instability in the eastern DRC poses a significant security threat to the Great Lakes region. President Ruto said recently that dialogue is the only solution to the problem in Congo. Beyond the TV remarks, what are some of the steps Kenya has taken to ensure there is peace in the region?}}
We already have the Nairobi-led peace process for the DRC and the Luanda process. We are depending heavily on those two processes to deliver a solution. He [President William Ruto] is very committed to both processes.
The entry program is designed to empower African start-ups for cross-border growth.
“This program offers a unique opportunity for startups to navigate diverse ecosystems, form strategic partnerships, and scale their businesses across the continent,” the organisation announced.
To be eligible for selection, interested start-ups must be registered in an African country, with at least one of the founders being an African. The start-ups should also be at the scale-up stage.
Successful applicants will enjoy several benefits. They will be among 10 startups to pitch in front of key ecosystem players and potential investors. Additionally, they will receive travel arrangements, participate in ecosystem tours, and engage in one-on-one meetings with potential customers, collaborators, and investors.
The startups will benefit from six months of post-trip support to strengthen the connections made during ecosystem tours, including advisory services on the target market. They will also experience tailored ecosystem tours in one of the focus countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, or Namibia.
Moreover, they will have access to Market Opportunity Packs (MOP), which provide insights into the countries they will visit and have the opportunity to showcase their products to a curated audience of collaborators, investors, and potential customers.
Interested applicants have until June 30, 2024, to apply. The selection exercise is slated for July 2024.
Pitch sessions will begin in August, ecosystem tours in October, and post-ecosystem tour support will take place between November and April 2025.
Interested startups can apply to join the program using the link: [http://bit.ly/LetsBuildAfrica
->http://bit.ly/LetsBuildAfrica]
The three-day event provides a platform for African startups and businesses to showcase their ideas and products to a worldwide audience, attracting investors seeking promising tech ventures in Africa.
Speaking to IGIHE, Nigerian investor Uchenna Ugbor termed his experience at the second edition of Gitex Africa as “very good”.
The founder of Ark Technologies Group attended the first edition of Gitex Africa, which made its debut on the continent in Morocco on May 31, 2023. He stated that he was able to invest in several projects and looks forward to a similar experience this year.
“I can’t count the number of stands I have visited. This is my second time. I was here last year and it’s not a disappointment at all. By and large, the event is very good, it has a lot to offer. I have quite a number of suppliers that are here. I have come all the way from Nigeria. Last year I met a couple of guys that I invested in their projects,” Ugbor stated.
According to Ugbor, the African continent has made great strides in innovation, and such efforts deserve applause.
“Given where we are coming from as Africans, I would [African startups] are impressive,” he commented. “The [business] is sustainable because 20 or 30 years ago, we weren’t at this stage, and we cannot compare ourselves with Europeans. It has to be a special case for people like Africans, who are a bit late entrants.”
Isaac Odongo, the CEO of Organic Route, was also upbeat about his experience in Morocco, where his company is showcasing their hybrid technology used to extend the shelf life of dried fruits and vegetables such as bananas.
Extolling the benefits of technology in the 21st century, Odongo said, “We also use tech to reach our customers and manage our finances.”
Liberia’s Minister for Posts and Telecommunications, Sekou Kromah, affirmed that such events offer fertile ground for policymakers to network and make better decisions in their roles.
“I am very happy to be here. It’s very exciting. This event normally helps us as policymakers to network and make sound decisions in terms of telecommunications and ICT,” the minister explained.
MOHE BioTech (Suisse), a company involved in the development of rapid diagnostic tests and an application that allows for quick health assessments and data collection in remote areas, told IGIHE that they had received “some pretty good feedback” from the participants.
“We created a platform that allows its users to know their health status whenever, wherever they are, anytime, while you just have the platform. If you are feeling sick, basically, instead of going all the way to the doctor to be diagnosed, you can do it yourself,” Marc Okambawa, the company’s marketing executive, said.
Okambawa added that their rapid test device can detect up to 12 diseases at a time, and thereafter the results are picked up by a medical practitioner who reaches out to the patient for further medical action.
Also present at the Morocco expo is Africa Smart Health, a company that offers a centralized platform for patients and doctors to keep their medical data. The platform can be accessed from any part of the world.
A user simply sets up a profile, enters all their medical conditions such as allergies, and shares them with their preferred medical professional to write a prescription. For doctors, there is a profile dubbed digital PA where they can manage all appointments and use AI to write medical reports very quickly using prefilled keywords.
The company works with local authorities to get relevant approvals for managing data such as doctor’s records. They also ask for consent from users during registration.
The two companies entered the new partnership on Thursday, May 30, during the Gitex Africa 2024 tech expo, which is ongoing in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The partnership with Microsoft will complement Zindi’s practical skilling with courses and certifications in AI, data science, and data analysis, Celina Lee, co-founder and CEO of Zindi, told IGIHE at the forum.
“With this partnership, we’ll be upskilling 10,000 people across Africa in data and AI skills,” Lee stated.
Microsoft Africa President, Lillian Barnard, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying the company’s goal is to ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit all Africans.
“Bridging the digital skills gap in Africa is vital to the future success of that endeavour. By partnering with Zindi, we aim to revolutionise AI skills on the continent, providing cutting-edge AI training and certifications to thousands of developers and future data engineers, preparing the future workers of the world,” Barnard said.
Zindi is Africa’s largest platform for data scientists and AI and machine learning developers.
According to CEO Lee, more than 70,000 people have registered on the platform, mostly young people.
“About half of them are students, all learning data science and AI skills,” the CEO revealed.
Through the platform, data scientists participate in machine learning and data science competitions to win prizes and enhance their reputations, access real-world problems to develop their skills, and explore opportunities posted by Zindi partners. On the other hand, the platform helps companies find top talent to solve their problems.
“We run competitions where companies can put up datasets and problems, and then the community of data scientists, thousands of them, try to build solutions for these real business problems. This means that businesses get access to incredible talent.
“For the young people on the platform, it means they are building real skills that the market demands. For us, we see ourselves as a professional network where data scientists can build up their profiles and skills. More than a professional network, they can showcase what they’re capable of and connect with job opportunities,” the CEO explained.
This initiative is orchestrated by “Forbidden Stories,” a platform and website run by the Freedom Voices Network, a journalists’ association created in November 2017 by Laurent Richard and supported by Reporters Without Borders.
Often accused of being a tool used by certain entities in Western countries to destabilize various countries or individuals, Forbidden Stories might suggest exclusive revelations about Rwanda. However, the content is merely a repetition of accusations and rumours perpetuated by those harbouring malicious intentions towards the country during crucial periods.
{{A rehashed pamphlet of accusations
}}
For over twenty years, Rwanda has faced unfounded accusations from some actors in the West, often for obscure reasons. These articles attempt to portray Rwanda in a way that anyone who actually lives and interacts with this country would find misleading. Rwanda has been unjustly blamed for the disorder in the DRC, criticized for its investments in tourism and its partnerships with European sports teams, accused of “sports-washing,” “gender-washing,” and using peacekeeping as a pressure lever, among other things.
Interestingly, the people making these accusations have not changed much over the past two decades. It is still the same group of individuals.
{{Key players in this campaign:
}}
{{Michaela Wrong
}}
Michaela Wrong, a British journalist who has worked for various international media outlets, is famous for her writings denigrating Rwanda since 2013, the year of Patrick Karegeya’s assassination in South Africa. Wrong has since dedicated her career to tarnishing Rwanda’s image.
{{Théogène Rudasingwa
}}
A former Rwandan ambassador to the United States, Théogène Rudasingwa often appears in reports criticizing Rwanda. Having fled the country in 2004 after accusations of misconduct, including corruption, he is among the founders of the terrorist group Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and continues to disparage Rwanda. In Rwanda, he was convicted for threats against state security and faces a 24-year prison sentence.
{{Judi Rever
}}
Canadian journalist Judi Rever is a regular in campaigns defaming Rwanda. In her book “In Praise of Blood,” she accuses the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) of participating in the Genocide against the Tutsi, whereas the international community recognizes that the RPF ended this genocide.
{{Byansi Samuel Baker
}}
A young journalist, Byansi Samuel Baker had a promising start before veering into conspiracy theories permanently targeting the Rwandan government, falsely accusing it of numerous unfounded wrongs before leaving Rwanda. Since his departure, he has aligned himself with the government’s opponents.
{{Lewis Mudge
}}
Africa director for Human Rights Watch, Lewis Mudge is known for his harsh and often unfounded criticisms against Rwanda. He has frequently downplayed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and claims Rwanda is a repressive state, making it unsurprising to see him associated with this campaign.
{{A coordinated plan to denigrate Rwanda
}}
What we observe in the articles and videos of Forbidden Stories is the coordination of four main groups:
{{Former members of genocidal governments:
}} Figures like Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former President Juvénal Habyarimana and an influential member of the Akazu, a close circle of the Rwandan political elite accused of orchestrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She is also suspected of playing a role in her husband’s death. Charles Ndereyehe, former director of ISAR (Rwanda Agricultural Sciences Institute) and accused of active participation in the genocide, are part of those who have long been critical voices against Rwanda.
– {{Disgruntled former members of the RPF: }} Individuals like Théogène Rudasingwa, who fled the country after accusations of corruption and other crimes.
– {{Descendants of genocidaires:}} Mainly based in Belgium, individuals like Natacha Abingeneye and Placide Kayumba continue to spread the genocide ideology. Natacha Abingeneye is affiliated with Jambo ASBL, an organization known for its genocide denial propaganda. Placide Kayumba, also an active member of Jambo ASBL, uses this platform to perpetuate genocidal ideologies. These individuals continue to propagate revisionist narratives and minimize the severity of the crimes committed during the genocide.
– {{Hostile NGOs: }} Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, often critical of Rwanda.
{{A litany of accusations
}}
These repeated attacks against Rwanda have never achieved their goal. This is not the first time Rwanda has faced such attacks during pivotal periods for its future.
{{Attacks during the 2010 elections
}}
In 2010, the year the country held its second presidential elections since its liberation, grenades were thrown in Kigali in February and on August 11, just two days after the elections, injuring seven people. These attacks aimed to sow chaos.
{{The Mapping Report
}}
Before the 2010 elections, international media circulated negative information based on the UN report titled “Mapping Report,” accusing Rwanda of probable acts of genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This report, full of inaccuracies, was largely discredited and shelved.
{{The 2015 referendum
}}
During the 2015 referendum, attempts to destabilize involved local personalities and artists like Kizito Mihigo, who conspired with armed groups. In 2014, Kizito Mihigo admitted they planned to kill leaders, including the president.
{{The documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story”
}}
In 2014, the documentary “Rwanda: Untold Story” claimed that the RPF was responsible for the genocide against the Tutsi, assertions that led to the banning of the BBC Kinyarwanda branch from broadcasting in Rwanda. This documentary aimed to minimize the genocide and discredit the Rwandan authorities.
{{The arrest of Lt Gen Karenzi Karake
}}
In June 2015, General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake was arrested in London on unfounded accusations from a biased investigation. He was released after strong mobilization by Rwandans, showing that these destabilization attempts never succeed.
These attacks have never achieved their goal of disrupting Rwanda. The country has continued to progress, with poverty reduced from nearly 80% in 1994 to 38% today. Life expectancy has increased from 51 years to over 69 years. Kigali has become a prime destination for international conferences, and the Rwandan economy has experienced sustained growth of over 7% per year.
It is evident that these attacks have no effect on Rwanda’s determination to move forward.
Spiro was named alongside giant car manufacturers Toyota and BMW in the coveted list unveiled on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Other renowned firms on the list include Microsoft, Google, Rappi, Huawei, Amazon, Airbus, Tata Group, OpenAI, Pfizer, and Bank of America.
Kenya’s asset financing platform M-Kopa and Food4Education, which supplies subsidized nutritious meals to primary school children, also made the list.
The Time 100 Most Influential Companies list celebrates businesses making extraordinary contributions in their fields, shaping the future of industries and society.
{{Spiro}}
Founded in 2019, Spiro launched in Togo and Benin in 2022, followed by Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, last year.
In Uganda, the e-bike and battery swapping provider has partnered with the government to replace its emission-heavy moto taxi fleet, known as boda-bodas, with electric two-wheelers.
Spiro bets on commuters’ needs in populous African cities to double its fleet of 14,000 electric bikes by the end of 2024.
Commenting on the Time’s recognition, Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, said, “This recognition for Spiro in the Time 100 list is humbling and will catalyze our efforts to demonstrate our ability to innovate and deploy affordable mobility to customers, thereby fostering financial inclusion and empowering the lives of our customers and communities.”
Anish Jain, Group CEO of Equitane, Spiro’s holding company, added, “This accolade underscores the innovative work we are doing in Africa and beyond. We are committed to expanding our services and infrastructure to support the growing demand for sustainable transportation options.”
This is the revolutionary concept behind Canon’s “World Unseen” project. Going beyond the traditional frame of a photograph, “World Unseen” employs innovative techniques to create an inclusive experience of photography, particularly for visually impaired individuals.
In their very first exhibition in Africa, Canon Central and North Africa brought this campaign closer to home at GITEX Africa 2024, the largest three-day technology and startup event in Africa, ongoing in Marrakech, Morocco.
{{How the technology works
}}
The technology behind elevated prints, bringing the power of imaging to everyone, includes the Arizona 2300 FLXflow using PRISMAelevate XL software. Thanks to the elevated print, people can feel the different elements of the scenes through shapes, highlighted areas, and textures, allowing them to visualize the images through touch.
At the Canon booth in Marrakech, delegates, both visually impaired and sighted, were able to have multi-sensory experiences connecting them with powerful images and the stories behind them through audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille.
The exhibition featured a series of photographs taken by world-renowned photographers including multi-award-winning South African photojournalist Brent Stirton, renowned Brazilian Photojournalist Sebastião Salgado, Nigerian photojournalist Yagazie Emezi, sports photographer Samo Vidic, fashion photographer Heidi Rondak and Pulitzer winning photojournalist Muhammed Muheisen.
Hamid Nabil was among the individuals who had the opportunity to experience the power of this innovative technology aimed at fostering inclusivity and deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Visually impaired, Nabil was Morocco’s first visually impaired student to graduate with a doctorate degree in English Studies from Rabat’s Mohammed V University.
Rashad Ghani, the B2C Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said the new innovative project is part of the renowned Japanese imagery brand’s commitment to contributing to a more inclusive society.
“It is Canon’s philosophy of Kyosei, you know, working and living together for the common good. That’s how Canon is. Canon is not only a brand that creates something for, you know, a product to do business. They always look at society and something to enhance in the society.
“Being an imagery brand for so many years, you know, giving products to create photographs. Yes, people can see it. But then also Canon as a brand positions itself that why those people who cannot see should not feel the product or feel the picture. And that’s where I think this has come out as a concept where they can also feel what is around them and they can also sense what exactly the pictures and the images are,” he stated.
Ghani affirmed that the elevated printing feature is just one among many available on Canon printers, and the company will stay abreast of the ever-changing world of technology to keep giving its customers new experiences.
The second edition of GITEX Africa kicked off in Morocco, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and will close on Friday, May 31, 2024. The three-day event showcases the latest innovations and trends in tech, with a focus on connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Speaking during Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 30, President Ruto said that as a “responsible steward,” there was no way he could spend the colossal amount on the trip, insisting, “I am not a madman”.
According to the Kenyan Head of State, his friends offered the plane after he decided to travel on Kenya Airways (KQ) to the US upon learning that it would cost the taxpayers at least Ksh70 million on a chartered flight.
“I am a very responsible steward believe you me. There is no way I can spend Ksh200 million in fact it cost the republic of Kenya less than Ksh10 million because I am not a madman,” President Ruto defended himself.
“When I was told the cheapest plan was Ksh70 million I told my office, go and book Kenya Airways so when some friends of mine heard that I was going to travel Kenya Airways, and I have built a big reputation as a country, some friends told me how much are you willing to pay? I said I’m not willing to spend more than Ksh20 million they said bring Ksh10 million we give you the plane.”
He emphasized that as president, he was committed to leading from the front in implementing the government’s austerity measures to cut spending.
“Look at me Kenyans, look at me again. I must lead from the front as I tell others to tighten up their belt mine must be where to begin. So relax and the debate must end because I am that responsible and it is going to be that way,” Ruto added.
“My plan is that in 3 years we must have a balanced budget.”
President Ruto’s choice of a luxurious private jet for his trip to the US drew mixed reactions with a section of Kenyans questioning his commitment to cutting government spending by state officers.
Upon his return to the country after the four-day visit, he was forced to clear the air, explaining that travelling on the private jet was way cheaper than travelling on Kenya Airways, the country’s national carrier.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ,” President Ruto said in a post on X last Sunday.
The local media had reported that State House Kenya charted the luxurious aircraft from Dubai-owned RoyalJet company for the president and his delegation’s trip to the US. According to KTN News, the cost of hiring the jet is about $1.5 million (about Ksh200 million).
The US government had earlier denied reports that it paid for the aircraft the Kenyan delegation used for the US trip.
“Just to be clear: The United States of America did not pay for President Ruto’s jet to the US,” a spokesperson for the US embassy in Nairobi told the press.
Since assuming office in September 2022, President Ruto has imposed several austerity measures including banning non-essential travel by state officials over financial constraints.
The president has also introduced new taxes on various goods and services, even as he and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, insist that they inherited a “dilapidated” economy from the former administration of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Ruto was accompanied by various government officials, members of the opposition, and representatives from the creative economy to the US on May 20. He was the first African leader to make a state visit to the White House in 16 years since Ghana’s John Kufuor visited in 2008.
