The embattled Kenyan President William Ruto is planning a state visit to Egypt, despite facing significant crises at home, Kenyan Foreign Policy has learned.

The newly appointed Kenyan Ambassador to Cairo, Fred Outa, has already reported for duty in an expedited process, even before his official swearing-in.

On July 1, Outa was bid farewell by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei at the ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.

“Bid farewell to Kenya’s Ambassador-designate to Egypt, Hon. Fred Outa as he reports to post this week,” Sing’oei posted on his X account.

He added, “We are confident that the ambassador will do more to enhance our diplomatic and strategic relations with Egypt and the sub-region.”

Why the Rush?

Outa, who previously served as Kisumu senator, is heading to Cairo earlier than expected to prepare for an anticipated state visit by President Ruto.

Despite being largely confined to the official presidential residence in Nairobi due to a significant decline in popularity and facing numerous domestic crises, Ruto continues to show a strong appetite for foreign travel.

This state visit has been in the works for a while but was delayed due to events in Egypt and the Middle East, including Ramadan.

An Egyptian source told KFP that the exact dates for Ruto’s visit have not yet been made official.

Since his election, Ruto has made a mark on the global stage, attending the G7 outreach summit, engaging with climate activists in Paris, and meeting tech giants in Silicon Valley.

He was also celebrated as a global peacekeeper at the White House in May, arriving on a luxurious Emirati plane.

However, his frequent travels have left Kenyans back home grappling with economic hardships and feeling neglected.

Domestic Backlash

Facing a cost-of-living crisis and witnessing government officials enjoying the benefits of their positions, Kenyans, especially the youth, forced Ruto to abandon plans for significant tax hikes after days of protests.

This has left him politically weakened, with his administration caught off guard and his opponents energized.

Musalia Mudavadi, Ruto’s top foreign policy official, remarked in late June that rejecting the Finance Bill was a vote of no confidence in the President.

The Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, who once served as a finance minister, alleged that those rejecting the Finance Bill are plotting to oust President Ruto.

Tone-Deaf Leadership?

Ruto has been accused of being tone-deaf, continuing his foreign engagements despite urgent domestic issues.

This includes his departure for Zimbabwe when Kenya was hit by devastating floods, resulting in numerous deaths.

As Ruto prepares for his state visit to Egypt, the question remains: will his international pursuits help strengthen his leadership, or will they further alienate a nation in distress?