In a bid to foster economic ties, advocate for climate action, and explore employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad, President Ruto is embarking on a two-day official visit to Germany and France, departing on Sunday, November 20, and returning on November 21, 2023. The trip, aimed at bolstering relationships with key European nations and the European Union, holds significant promise for Kenya’s economic growth and the well-being of its citizens.
Bolstering Economic Ties and Advocating for Climate Action
The State House spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, highlighted that the primary focus of President Ruto’s visit is to strengthen economic ties with Germany, France, and the European Union. In Berlin, Germany, President Ruto will participate in the Compact with Africa (CwA) high-level conference, initiated by Germany during its tenure as Chair of G20. The conference serves as a platform for leaders to discuss economic collaboration and development initiatives.
President Ruto aims to showcase Kenya as a leading investment destination in the region, advocating for stronger economic ties between the EU and the East African Community. Additionally, discussions on labor mobility with Germany are set to take place, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global employment challenges.
One of the key highlights of the trip is the consolidation of Germany-Kenya cooperation on Green Energy initiatives. President Ruto will delve into discussions on the production of green hydrogen and the rehabilitation of Olkaria geothermal fields, underlining Kenya’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources.
Engaging with French Leadership and EU Parliament
In France, President Ruto is scheduled to meet with President Emmanuel Macron to discuss vital infrastructural projects. The talks aim to strengthen collaboration on key development initiatives, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between Kenya and France.
Addressing the European Union Parliament, President Ruto will emphasize Kenya’s role as a peace and democracy anchor in the region. He will expound on Kenya’s vision for climate action in alignment with the African leaders’ Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change. The President’s address will shed light on the economic impact of deepening trade relations between Kenya and the EU, with a significant milestone being the signing and implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement scheduled for December.
Furthermore, President Ruto is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Roberta Metsola, the President of the EU Parliament. These engagements are crucial in solidifying Kenya’s diplomatic standing and fostering collaboration on various fronts.
Pursuing Employment Opportunities for Kenyans Abroad
President Ruto’s visit to Germany is not only about diplomatic relations but also about fulfilling promises made by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his visit to Kenya in May. The Chancellor had pledged to open doors for 250,000 professional, skilled, and semi-skilled Kenyans to address Germany’s labor requirements.
President Ruto expressed his commitment to pursuing employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad, citing the importance of youth employment in alleviating the rising cost of living. The President revealed plans to sign bilateral labor agreements with the goal of exporting 3,000 to 5,000 Kenyan workers every week to various countries worldwide.
Defending his numerous international trips, President Ruto asserted that these engagements are not mere tourism but crucial efforts to work for the benefit of the Kenyan people. He emphasized the necessity of networking on a global stage to raise Kenya’s profile and secure opportunities for its citizens.
Criticism and Presidential Perspective
President Ruto’s foreign trips have faced criticism locally, with concerns raised about the cost of these engagements, especially in the backdrop of economic challenges in the country. The President, however, remains resolute in defending the necessity of these trips, citing tangible benefits for Kenya.
The government argues that these international engagements are strategic opportunities to position Kenya on the global stage, attract foreign investments, and secure employment opportunities for its citizens. The President’s focus on addressing both diplomatic and economic fronts during his international visits reflects a comprehensive approach to advancing Kenya’s interests in the global arena.
As President Ruto embarks on his 41st trip since taking office in September 2022, the outcomes of this visit to Germany and France hold the potential to significantly impact Kenya’s economic landscape and strengthen its position in the international community. The pursuit of employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment and creating avenues for economic growth.