Ruto Flies Out For Twin Tour

President William Ruto has left the country for a twin visit to Tanzania and Zimbabwe, as announced by State House spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed.

In a statement on Thursday, April 25, Mohamed revealed that Ruto left in the evening for Tanzania to participate in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Union of mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar.

"The President's participation in this national celebration will underscore Kenya's cherished relationship, good neighbourliness and steadfast partnership and solidarity with the United Republic of Tanzania and its people," read the statement in part.

President William Ruto alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi before leaving the country for Tanzania and Zimbabwe on April 25, 2024. /PCS

Thereafter, the Head of State will commence a two-day State Visit to Zimbabwe aimed at bolstering political, economic and socio-cultural ties between the two countries.

While in the Southern African country, President Ruto will be the chief guest at the 64th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, in Bulawayo.

He will emphasise the significance of international trade fairs and forums as catalysts for economic development, industrial growth, global linkages and job creation.

"The visit elevates the existing strong bilateral relations between the two countries by upgrading the current Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation at the ministerial level to a Bi-National Commission at the Heads of State level," added the statement.

Seven bilateral cooperation instruments - in health, defence, investment, education, transport and capacity building in public service - will be signed during the visit.

In talks with President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Ruto will express the need for closer air connectivity between the two countries in the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Tripartite Alliance Free Trade Area.

The President will also share Kenya's perspective on climate action and the urgent need for UN Security Council reforms that respond to the current global realities.

As a champion for the African Union institutional reforms, he will seek President Mnangagwa's views and ideas on how to strengthen the continental institution.

The exact date of Ruto's return to the country was not immediately announced.

President William Ruto speaking during the Third National Wage Bill Conference at the Bomas of Kenya on April 17, 2024. /PCS