Kenya’s Winging President in Congo, Brazzaville, DP in Berlin

 Kenyan President William Ruto, who recently announced a reduction of his travel budget by 500 million shillings, has traveled to Congo, Brazzaville.

He is attending the Three Basins Climate Change conference, a meeting involving leaders from countries with the largest tropical forest basins. Their goal is to collaborate in protecting these forests from deforestation and destruction.

Critics in Kenya have questioned the frequency of Ruto’s foreign trips, as he is currently abroad for the 39th time since assuming office.

This has occurred at a time when issues such as the rising cost of living and unemployment remain prevalent at home. Foreign policy experts contend that a robust foreign policy should be underpinned by a strong domestic policy.

Notably, Ruto’s overseas journey coincides with his deputy’s visit to Europe for official duties.

Critics have raised concerns about delegation and leadership dynamics within the government.

Since taking office 407 days ago, President Ruto has been on international trips for a total of 83 days.

During this time, he has visited 45 cities in 38 different countries. His inaugural foreign visit was to attend the State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, along with other African Heads of State.

Some of the nations that President Ruto has traveled to include Belgium, China, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Germany, Israel, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, and Zambia.

Additionally, he has made three separate visits to Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United States of America.

He has also undertaken two trips each to Burundi, Congo, Brazzaville, France, and the United Kingdom.

Notably, his visits to the US were primarily to participate in the 77th and 78th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.