President William Ruto has defended his participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying Kenya’s involvement in international forums has strengthened the country’s global profile.
Speaking on Thursday, October 8, Ruto said Kenya had gained greater recognition and respect internationally through its active participation in global affairs.
He pointed to Kenya’s engagement in international discussions as an important tool for projecting the country’s interests and strengthening its standing on the global stage.
President William Ruto. Photo: Courtesy.
During his UNGA address, Ruto called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council to give Africa permanent representation in the body responsible for major decisions on international peace and security.
He argued that Africa’s 54 countries should not remain excluded from permanent membership of the council while decisions affecting the continent continue to be made without permanent African representation.
Ruto also raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in the application of international law, arguing that selective enforcement weakens confidence in global institutions and the rules-based international system.
On the growing number of armed conflicts around the world, the President called for stronger diplomacy, collective security mechanisms and greater emphasis on preventing conflicts before they escalate.
Ruto also pushed for reforms to the international financial system, particularly measures to address the high cost of borrowing faced by developing countries.
He argued that expensive financing limits the capacity of developing nations to invest in key sectors such as healthcare, education and other development priorities.
The President further used the international platform to advocate for greater economic transformation across Africa.
He urged African countries to move away from reliance on raw material exports by investing in local industries capable of processing resources, creating jobs and retaining more value within the continent.
