President Ruto is Smart and Strategic, US Ambassador Meg Whitman Says

United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whiteman has heaped praise on President Ruto, describing him as a “strong, smart, and strategic leader.”

In a letter inviting entrepreneurs to attend the American Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Summit being held in Nairobi from March 29th to 30th, Whiteman said Ruto is also easy to work with. 

"The new President, William Ruto, is very strong. He is smart, strategic, and gets things done," Whitman said.

She added: "He understands that economic growth and development is the way forward and has set a vision for accelerating Kenya's drive to achieve upper middle-income country status by 2030.”

She also noted that the Kenyan president appointed a strong Cabinet team, adding that he is undertaking policy reforms to improve the business environment in the country. 

The ambassador further underscored President Ruto’s role in promoting peace and security in East Africa. 

"He has also been instrumental in fostering peace and security in the region," Whiteman said. 

Ambassador Whiteman further noted that Kenya held the “freest, fairest, and most transparent elections in the country's history this past August.”

The third annual American Chamber of Commerce Regional Summit focuses on economic growth and development opportunities in Kenya and the East Africa region for American businesses.

Speaking during the opening of the summit on Wednesday, Whitman assured business partners that there is peace in the country and expressed her satisfaction with the country’s investment environment.

She told delegates that “it is an exciting time to be doing business in the region, creating more jobs, and promoting US-Kenya shared prosperity."

US Under Secretary at Commerce Department Don Cravins Jr is leading the US delegation to guide on their partnership with Kenya. He is accompanied by representatives from 11 US companies.