William Samoei Ruto, PhD

Congratulations to Phoebe Okowa on your election as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), after securing the requisite majority votes at both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Your election is a moment of great pride for Kenya and a powerful affirmation of the depth of legal expertise, integrity and excellence that our country continues to contribute to the international community. As you take up this distinguished responsibility, we wish you great success in discharging your mandate with diligence and in advancing the ICJ’s mission of upholding international law and promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes among nations. Kenya is proud of you.

I have learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Hon Justice (retired) Paul Kariuki Kihara, former Attorney-General of Kenya and former President of the Court of Appeal. We shall remember Justice Kihara as an accomplished jurist and dedicated public servant, who made an invaluable contribution to the development and strengthening of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions. His distinguished service included his role as the founding director of the Judiciary Training Institute, where he helped shape the professional development of Kenya's judicial officers. On my behalf and on behalf of the people of Kenya, I convey our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We stand with them in mourning this great loss and honouring a life of distinguished service to our nation. May the Almighty God grant his family strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.

We are proud of Sheila Chepkirui for winning the New York City Marathon in an impressive time of 2:24:36, and Hellen Obiri for securing third place. Thank you Chepkirui and Obiri for reminding the world why Kenya remains a powerhouse in athletics and for giving our country a priceless place on the global stage.

Impressed by the spectacular victory of Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba at the Istanbul Marathon. Winning the race in a new course record is a demonstration of Kenya’s winning spirit and excellence in athletics. Well done Vincent Kipyeogon Ronoh for securing third place. We are proud of you both for flying the Kenyan flag high.

Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct

Bomas International Convention Centre

Ikulu weekly

Held talks with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin, Moscow, after the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit. Thanked President Putin for confirming that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian military because Kenya has been categorised a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military. Informed President Putin that I have appointed a Defence Attache at the Kenya Embassy in Moscow, who will liaise with the Russian Ministry of Defence in processing the return of Kenyans who were in Russia for military purposes. Additionally, the Defence Attache will work with the Russian Ministry of Defence to process compensation for Kenyans and to assist in their safe return home. We also discussed scholarships in various fields for Kenyan students, including health, artificial intelligence, technology, aviation and cyber security, and to increase the number from the current 70 to 300. President Putin committed to support the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the only UN headquarters in the developing world. We also agreed that our two governments would negotiate a bilateral labour agreement that would allow Kenyans to live and work in Russia. In recognition of the deepening ties between our two countries, I invited President Putin to visit Kenya. During the Russia-Africa Summit, our two countries signed five instruments aimed at deepening our bilateral ties. They include the establishment of the Intergovernmental Russia-Kenya Commission on Economic Cooperation and Cooperation in Labour Inspection and Employment Promotion. Others cover cooperation between our two Transport ministries, visa free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports and collaboration in diplomatic training.

LIGHTING UP NAIROBI

Joined fellow African leaders at a gala reception hosted by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.