By Ebi Kesiena
Since taking office, Kenya’s President, William Ruto has traveled extensively outside the country.
Amidst backlash, Ruto has now defended his numerous trips out of the country since he assumed office.
Speaking during a church service in Uasin Gishu on Sunday, Ruto said it was through the trips that he has been able to secure several deals in favour of the country.
He said for instance, his recent visit to Saudi Arabia saw him secure employment slots for 350,000 Kenyans with the bilateral agreement expected to be signed in the next three weeks.
Ruto disclosed he would be travelling back for the signing of the agreement in the next three weeks adding that Kenyan workers have an upper hand in securing jobs in foreign countries.
“I was in Saudi a week ago and they told me they need 350,000 people to go and work there, we will sign the bilateral labour agreement soon so I will be going back there in three weeks.
“There are some people who are making noise asking why I am going for the trips, that is my work as the President. I am Kenya’s chief agent and ambassador to plan how the country will move forward. Even the bishop has said he was in Nandi for a week and Mbeere for some days but when I just go for two days to secure jobs for Kenyans there is noise.”
Just this weekend, Ruto was in Congo to attend the Three Basins Climate Change Summit.
This was President’s Ruto 39th trip since he assumed office last year in September.
Early this week, the Head of State was in Saudi Arabia for the 7th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Summit.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi criticised Ruto’s visits to different countries given the country’s economic challenges and high cost of living.
He suggested that it would be more appropriate if Ruto only traveled for critical issues adding that the president travels with a large team of people, involving a lot of logistics.
