Browsing: President William Ruto

EAC COP 28 Climate Summit | Kenya at COP28
  • There is a Climate Funding gap of 40 billion dollars in blue carbon, yet no Kenyan firms are undertaking it.
  • According to the World Bank, Kenya remains vulnerable to frequent climatic shocks that pose significant economic risks.
  • The East African country has been gravely affected by changing weather patterns and a fall in disposable income available for necessities.

Despite their considerable potential, Kenya is foregoing billions of dollars in untapped climate financing opportunities. While many startups are entering this sector, industry experts argue that the current figure remains insufficient to combat climate change adequately.

Pangea Accelerator, an investment platform that provides funding for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), says that the region needs to grow the number of startups, fully focusing on the environment. The Founder of Pangea, Jonas Tesfu, says that as a country, Kenya needs to have a lot of innovative businesses join climate change initiatives …

Kenya's economy
  • In 2023, Kenya’s economy experienced real GDP growth, surging from 4.8% in 2022 to an estimated 5 per cent.
  • Kenya’s agriculture, which had grappled with severe drought, recovered with critical crops, such as tea and coffee, displaying remarkable resilience.
  • High cost of living, exchange rate pressures, and global economic uncertainties remain persistent risks to growth this year.

In 2023, Kenya’s economy strengthened, defying persistent challenges as highlighted in the World Bank’s 28th edition of the Kenya Economic Update (KEU). Despite facing continued hurdles, East Africa’s biggest economy experienced an acceleration in real GDP growth, surging from 4.8 per cent in 2022 to an estimated 5 per cent in 2023.

This economic performance is a testament to Kenya’s ability to navigate adversities and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth.

Agriculture helped revive Kenya’s economy in 2023

A key factor contributing to Kenya’s revival of economic performance in 2023 was the …

visa-free entry policy in Kenya
  • President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape.
  • The policy is expected to boost Kenya’s economy by attracting more tourists and business travellers, thus increasing revenue and foreign exchange.
  • Addressing the accompanying challenges will be crucial to ensuring the policy’s success and sustainable growth in the region.

Kenya, a country known for its rich wildlife, vibrant culture, and dynamic economy, is poised to make a significant leap in becoming a hub for investors and business in East Africa. President William Ruto’s announcement of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all visitors starting January 2024 marks a paradigm shift in the region’s economic and social landscape. As the visa-free entry date nears, it is important to explore how Kenya is set to redefine the dynamics of business and investment in East Africa.

Overview of

Global Plastics Treaty

International delegates have gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, hoping to make further progress towards a landmark treaty to address global plastic pollution. The meeting is happening at the UNEP headquarters as negotiators seek to solve the scourge of pollution resulting from more than 430 million metric tonnes of plastic waste produced annually.
More than 2,000 delegates have attended the global plastics summit. They include representatives from environmental organisations, the oil and gas industry, and civil society groups. The delegates in Nairobi will mull two options: a wide-ranging strategy targeting plastics production or a limited approach focussed on waste management.…

Safaricom-Apple partnership announced by President William Ruto

In a recent announcement during the US-Africa Business Roundtable in the United States, Kenya’s President William Ruto revealed that Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company, is establishing a strategic partnership with Apple Inc. The Safaricom-Apple partnership will integrate the widely-used mobile money platform, M-Pesa, with Apple’s ecosystem. This integration will expand M-Pesa’s mobile financial services globally.
President William Ruto announced the deal after he toured Silicon Valley in San Francisco Bay, United States, on 16 September. The Kenyan leader is fast gaining popularity across Africa and globally. He has led from the front in marketing Kenya as a conducive ground for foreign business to thrive.…

Youth in Climate Action
  • Youth leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers presented the Africa Youth Climate Assembly Declaration to Kenya’s President William Ruto, and African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina.
  • The declaration advocates for the accelerated establishment of a Global Green Bank and a New Global Financial Pact, aiming to prioritise young people and their interests in climate financing. 
  • During the Africa Youth Climate Assembly, a wide range of issues emerged including youth access to finance, Africa’s energy transition, the plight of millions displaced owing to the impacts of climate change and mobilisation of resources for sustainable development.

As the Africa Climate Summit draws to a close, a key highlight from the three-day summit is that Africa’s youth need to be more involved in the climate change conversation. 

This, as youth leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers presented the Africa Youth Climate Assembly Declaration to Kenya’s President, William Ruto, and African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina.

Climate emergency
  • At the first Africa Climate Summit, President William Ruto of Kenya ignited a collective vision for a bold, affirmative, and climate-resilient African future.
  • Dr Ruto says Climate Summit seeks to scrutinize ideas, assess perspectives, and unlock solutions not to catalog grievances.
  • This Summit is our moment to imagine a bold and radically affirmative African future – Dr Ruto.

In a display of environmental consciousness, President William Ruto of Kenya embarked on an unconventional journey to the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, setting an inspiring example for leaders worldwide.

Opting for a small electric car instead of the usual government convoys, President Ruto cruised through the freewheeling streets of Nairobi cleared of the often poorly maintained buses and vans belching smoke, making a statement about sustainable transportation.

His eco-friendly commute underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change at all levels of society, including the highest levels …

HCI World Bank Human Capital Human Capital in Africa Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit
  • The central role of human capital in development is fast catching up with the developing world.
  • Tanzania President Suluhu Hassan says there is no right time to deliberate on the human capital issue than now.
  • President Ruto of Kenya says Africa must deliberately to make it possible for the youth to access job opportunities.

The vital role of Africa’s human capital is indispensable. It is a powerful tool in driving the growth of economic investments in the continent of 1.3 billion people. Africa has a combined GDP of nearly $3.1 trillion and over 40 percent of the population is under the age of 15 years and younger. It is therefore important that Africa’s human capital is aligned optimally to foster growth.

The central role of human capital in development is fast catching up with the developing world. It is in light of this that the just ended Africa Human Capital …

Kenya engineering
  • Kenya is keen on delivering quality engineering capacity by establishing Kenya School of Engineering.
  • President William Ruto says engineering holds the catalytic power to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
  • Kenya’s high-rise structures’ structural soundness has come under scrutiny in recent years, prompting concerns.

By pointing out that engineering innovation contains the catalytic capacity for the Bottom-Up Economic Development Agenda, President William Ruto is urging engineers to take the lead in Kenya’s development

“Engineering is our growth’s bedrock; the link between a country’s engineering capacity and its development is well established,” Dr Ruto explained during the 4th Engineering Partnerships Convention in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

Kenya School of Engineering

Dr Ruto said his administration seeks to build the best possible engine for engineering innovation, which is essential for promoting Kenya’s sustainable growth.

The President outlined how the establishment of a Kenya School of Engineering will help the government deliver quality engineering innovation …