William Ruto Leaves For 3-Day State Visit To Tanzania, Zimbabwe

• President William Ruto has been invited to attend the 60th anniversary of the United Republic of Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar
• He would proceed to attend the 64th International Trade Fair in Zimbabwe where he is invited as the chief guest
• During the visit, Ruto and President Emmerson Mnangagwa would discuss the need for closer air connectivity between the two states

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

President William Ruto will depart for Tanzania to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the country and Zanzibar.

As per a statement by statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the head of state is set to leave on Thursday evening, April 25.

"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.

Why will William Ruto head to Zimbabwe?

Afterwards, Ruto will travel to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he has been invited as the guest of honour at the nation's 64th International Trade Fair.

He is set to highlight the significance of such events as drivers for economic progress, industrial advancement, global connections, and employment generation.

The trip also seeks to strengthen the economic, political, and socio-cultural ties between the two nations.

"Seven bilateral instruments- health, defence, education, investment, transport, and capacity building in public service will be signed at the event," the statement added.

Further, the first-in-command will discuss with his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa the need for closer air connectivity in the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and the Tripartite Alliance Free Trade Area (TAFTA).

"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."

Why Kenya Kwanza MPs defended Ruto's trips

Meanwhile, the head of state has made over 50 trips to foreign states since his election in August 2022.

A section of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers defended his numerous travels stating that they were aimed at sourcing employment for the unemployed youths.

However, his last trip out of the country was in January 2024, when he left for Italy to address presidents on energy security.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.