Hectic Schedule Of President William Ruto
President William Ruto’s work ethic is highly demanding, leaving little room for breaks or rest. His schedule is relentless, disregarding public holidays and weekends. Not only his Cabinet but also his communications team, feel the weight of his tireless approach. To maintain some semblance of work-life balance, the team has had to divide into groups to keep the public informed.
The hectic schedule of President William Ruto over the past 2 weeks has been occupied. Some of the activities include local and international meetings as well as party activities. From October 6 to 9, he toured the Nyanza region, launching projects, addressing political rallies. He also held late-night meetings at the Kisumu State lodge. These meetings reportedly went on into the early hours of the morning.
The Head of State starts his busy day promptly, involving helicopter rides and long road trips. On October 11, he attended the passing out parade of Kenya Forest Service recruits in Gilgil, Nakuru county. Then he attended a stakeholders’ meeting with milk processors at Nakuru State Lodge. The next day, he participated in the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival in Lodwar Town.
On October 13, he attended the Africa 2023 Manufacturing Expo at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and met with the Director General of the International Organisation for Migration at State House. He then celebrated Kenya Defence Forces Day in Embakasi, Nairobi on October 14 before traveling to China for the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and other engagements. After returning just in time for the signing of the Universal Health Care Bill, he hosted Angola’s Head of State, Joao Lourenco, for bilateral talks on Saturday instead of taking a break like other public servants.
President Ruto, known as a hustler, does not give himself much opportunity to rest until he achieves his goals. Criticism has arisen regarding his frequent trips abroad, with concerns about exceeding the travel budget amid an economic recession. By June of this year, he had already traveled to 21 countries since taking office in September 2022. However, his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has defended him, stating that the trips are intended to boost the country’s economy rather than for leisure purposes.
Those who struggle to keep up with President Ruto’s pace find themselves facing challenges. Recently, he locked out late Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries from the signing of performance contracts at the State House in Nairobi. During the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Secretaries, he openly addressed their spouses, warning them that their partners may have to spend nights at the office or come home very late due to the demanding nature of their jobs.
When he is not launching projects or touring the country, the President is attending church services, following in the footsteps of his political mentor, the late President Daniel Arap Moi, who regularly attended Sunday services. During his recent tour of the Nyanza region, a church service was even organized at the Kisumu State Lodge compound. At just 56 years old, President Ruto seems to thrive on the demands of his job. His extensive travel suggests that age is on his side.
Source: Nation Media
