NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 18 – President William Ruto has defended his administration’s international standing, saying Kenya is increasingly becoming a global destination for major events because the country has a clear plan and vision.
Speaking in Mombasa during the 11th Our Ocean Conference, Ruto took a swipe at his critics and sections of the media, accusing them of focusing on insults and political noise while ignoring what he described as Kenya’s growing influence on the world stage.
According to the President, Kenya’s hosting of the ocean conference, the first of its kind ever held in Africa is proof that the country is earning global respect.
“This conference taking place here in Mombasa is the first Ocean Conference to be held on the African continent. It did not happen by chance or by mistake. It happened because we have a plan,” Ruto said.
The Head of State pointed to a series of major events hosted by Kenya in recent years as evidence that the country is increasingly taking a leadership role in global affairs.
He recalled that Kenya hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in 2023, bringing together leaders and policymakers from across the continent and beyond.
The President also cited the Africa Forward conference, which attracted dozens of African leaders, and Kenya’s recent participation at the G7 Summit.
“These things do not happen as a joke, by chance, or by mistake. They happen by design,” he said.
According to Ruto, the recognition Kenya is receiving internationally is a reflection of both government efforts and the contribution of Kenyan citizens.
“The entire world respects the work we are doing as a government and as citizens of our nation,” he stated.
The President urged Kenyans to have confidence in the country’s future instead of dwelling on negativity.
He said national progress requires citizens to support ideas, policies and development plans that can transform the country.
“Let us believe in ourselves. Let us believe in our country,” Ruto told the audience.
He added that meaningful progress would come through planning and policy implementation rather than political rhetoric.
“Let us stop the empty chatter, the propaganda, the endless malicious scheming and insults that mean nothing. Let us have a plan. Let us have policies,” he said.
President Ruto further criticized sections of the media for what he claimed was a failure to give adequate attention to major international events taking place in Kenya.
The President expressed surprise that the ongoing Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa had not received the level of coverage he expected.
“If you look at the media, you would not even know that there is a massive international conference happening right now in Mombasa,” he said.
“Over there in the media, it’s just insults, malice and petty issues.”
Despite the criticism, Ruto said he remains confident that Kenyans will eventually appreciate the significance of the milestones being achieved.
“But that’s alright. Eventually, things will become clear,” the President said.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference brought together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, conservationists and development partners to discuss the future of oceans and the blue economy.
