William Ruto Sets Record Straight On His Trip to China, Denies Looking for Loans
- President William Ruto has dismissed rumours that his visit to China was aimed at securing fresh government loans, clarifying that the focus was on forging strategic partnerships
- Ruto highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in major projects like the Rironi to Malaba road and the Naivasha-Uganda railway
- The head of state further emphasised his administration's commitment to exploring alternative financing models to avoid increasing Kenya’s debt burden and ensure sustainable development
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
President William Ruto has dismissed swirling rumours that he travelled to China in search of fresh loans.
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What did William Ruto's visit to China entail?
The president said his visit was focused on securing strategic partnerships to improve Kenya’s infrastructure without increasing the country’s debt burden.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 30, at the Cooperative University, Ruto addressed public speculation, noting that some had assumed he travelled to negotiate government borrowing.
“Listen to me carefully. You’ve heard this young man speak—he hasn’t said he’s looking for government loans or money. He’s seeking a letter of support to transform this place through public-private partnerships, and you’ve seen some of the partners he’ll be working with. That’s the future," Ruto said.
The president emphasised that major projects, such as the road from Rironi to Malaba via Nakuru, will not be funded through government loans but through toll infrastructure and private investments.
He added that the railway line from Naivasha to Uganda, part of a framework discussed in China, will also be built through private investments rather than government debt.
Ruto underscored that his administration had devised alternative financing models that avoid burdening the country with loans, warning that unsustainable borrowing could jeopardise Kenya’s future.
Did William Ruto land infrastructure deals in China?
In a related development, a State House statement issued Friday, April 25, indicated that the president returned from China with newly secured infrastructure deals.
Ruto hailed the Kenya-China relationship as strong and centered on citizens’ needs, saying it consistently delivers lasting and mutually beneficial results.
He said the new commitments signal China’s continued support for Kenya’s efforts to grow its economy, create jobs for the youth, and unlock its full potential.
Source: Facebook
Allies of the president, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, also defended his overseas mission.
The two dismissed claims that the trip was driven by a need to secure loans, suggesting instead that it was rooted in broader strategic goals.
Speaking in Kitutu Chache North, Ichung’wah, who also serves as the National Assembly Majority Leader, said Ruto’s visit aimed to attract investors for infrastructure development.
He likened the mission to former President Mwai Kibaki’s push for the Thika Superhighway, saying Ruto was now focused on delivering the Rironi-Malaba highway to spur economic growth.
Osoro echoed the sentiments, saying he had seen public concerns over the economy and investment outflows.
He argued that the president’s trip was a proactive step to reverse the trend, adding that criticism of the move raised questions about what Kenyans want.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
