President William Ruto has joined other world leaders in congratulating Donald Trump who is projected to win the US Presidency following Tuesday’s elections.
Trump’s victory was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon after he garnered over 270 electoral college votes earning him a second term at the White House.Â
Through a statement on his official page, President Ruto congratulated Trump, hailing him as a candidate who possesses ‘visionary, bold and innovative leadership’.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency, my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America,” a statement from President Ruto stated.
President-elect Donald Trump during a past rally in October 2024.
Photo
Courtesy
Ruto went on to subtly establish early ties with the incoming Republican government, saying the Kenyan government was ready to cooperate with the US on key issues going forward.
He added, “As you embark on this phase of your  journey of leadership, Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, technology & innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development.”
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our peoples.”
Trump’s win was all but confirmed after he captured the swing state of Wisconsin, which effectively put him above the required 270-vote threshold.
While the full count is not over, Trump looks on course to win the popular vote, which would make him the first Republican to achieve this feat since George W. Bush in 2004.
Why it matters: Ruto was the latest among a string of world leaders to extend an early congratulatory message to Trump as other nations seek early allegiances with US, which is a known world economic superpower.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are some of the big names who have openly expressed their desire to strengthen allegiances and renew collaborations with Trump’s regime.
Observers expect the new Trump administration in the US to open doors for new bilateral initiatives in Kenya and Africa at large aimed at deepening trade relations and fostering economic growth in the continent.
It is, however, yet to be seen how Ruto will integrate with Trump’s administration, having previously established ties with Joe Biden, who beat Trump in 2021.
As recently as in May 2024, the President made a state visit to the US, becoming the first African leader to do so in more than 15 years.
At the time, Biden’s communications team at the White House re-affirmed the 60 years of official U.S.-Kenya partnership, saying the two nations had a deep cooperation, and a common vision for the future.
Following the visit, a large number of Kenyans tipped Joe Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris to pick up from where Biden left off, but Trump had something to say about that, as the US elections showed on Wednesday.
The lingering question now is how the new Trump administration will impact the ordinary Kenyan, especially those residing in the US since the Republican is infamous for having a hard stance on immigrants.
Â
President William Ruto with Ambassador Katherine Tai, US Principal Trade Advisor, and former CSs Rebecca Miano and Alfred Mutua, at a past meeting at State House Nairobi.
Photo
PSC
Â
