President William Ruto is set to jet back into the country today after a week-long tour that took him to China and the Vatican. Ruto’s visit comes at a crucial time as Kenya strengthens its international partnerships and asserts its voice on the global stage.
During his trip to China, President Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and other officials, visited research institutions and cultural sites in Fujian Province, southeast China. His historic visit marked the first by an African leader since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), highlighting Kenya’s deepening strategic partnership with China. Discussions between President Ruto and Chinese leaders focused on investments in Kenya’s infrastructure projects, enhancing Global South cooperation, and regional peace and security initiatives.
Following his engagements in China, President Ruto traveled to the Vatican where he joined other world leaders and Catholic faithful in mourning Pope Francis, who passed away last week. The farewell ceremony attracted a global congregation, with Ruto representing Kenya at the solemn event.
Meanwhile, back at home, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been busy overseeing domestic affairs. Today, Kindiki is scheduled to commission the Maralal Municipal Market in Samburu County at 9:30 am, a project expected to boost local commerce and improve livelihoods in the region. Later, he will inspect the ongoing construction of the Yiamo Dam in Marsabit County, a key project aimed at enhancing water security and supporting agriculture.
Kindiki’s activities reflect a wider tour he has undertaken across the country in recent days, with visits to Embu County on Saturday and Kisii County on Sunday, signaling the government’s renewed commitment to regional development.
In the afternoon, Deputy President Kindiki will return to Nairobi to chair joint Cabinet Committees meetings at his official residence in Karen starting from 2 pm. These meetings are expected to focus on critical national issues, ensuring continuity of governance in President Ruto’s absence.
As Ruto returns and Kindiki continues to engage with local and national leaders, the administration is keen to balance its international diplomacy with domestic development priorities.
