William Ruto's Foreign Trips: What's State Visit, How's Different From Official Trip

• In less than a year, President William Ruto has made over 20 foreign trips amid claims that the government coffers are drying up
• The president’s ballooning travel budget attracted the attention of his critics, who began to question the relevance of the frequent trips
• Ruto said the trips would result in the creation of one million jobs, as promised by Kenya Kwanza during the 2022 political campaigns
• TUKO.co.ke delves into the concept of state visits and examines how they differ from other visits by foreign heads of nations

Nairobi - In early July 2023, President William Ruto strongly defended his foreign trips following a public outcry that the taxpayer was coughing up more to finance his foreign movements and the delegation accompanying him on such occasions.

In less than a year, the head of state has made over 20 foreign trips amid claims that the government coffers are drying up yet the taxpayer needs to dig deeper in the pocket to finance government operations and repay Kenya’s debts.

But speaking at Kapteren in Keiyo North, Elgeyo Marakwet county, on July 2, 2023, Ruto explained that the trips are integral to creating jobs.

He added that the trips will result in the creation of one million jobs, as promised by Kenya Kwanza in the run-up to the 2022 General Election.

"We need one million jobs for Kenyans who are working abroad. Many Kenyans ask why I travel to the US, Canada, and Europe. I am going out there to enter into agreements with other countries,” he explained.

The president’s ballooning travel budget attracted the attention of his critics, who began to question the relevance of the frequent trips and if they were adding any value to the taxpayer.

This comes when taxpayers are overburdened with additional taxes and inflation pushing basic commodities beyond the reach of many Kenyans.

TUKO.co.ke understands that Ruto has travelled extensively for official business since assuming office.

For instance, the head of state has made one trip to Belgium, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Germany, Israel, Netherlands, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, and Zambia.

Also, he has made two trips to Tanzania, Burundi, France, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

He has visited Ethiopia on three occasions.

In international diplomacy, which Ruto embarked on after succeeding former president Uhuru Kenyatta, few events hold as much prestige and significance as a state visit.

These carefully orchestrated and highly ceremonial visits by Ruto serve as a platform for fostering diplomacy, strengthening bilateral relations, and showcasing the importance of international cooperation.

Against this backdrop, TUKO.co.ke delves into the concept of state visits and examine how they differ from other visits by presidents such as Ruto.

How is a state visit different from an official visit

According to the Economic Times, a state visit and an official visit are two different types of visits a head of state or government can make to another country.

A state visit is a formal and ceremonial visit, usually made by the head of state of one country to the head of state of another country.

A state visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and cement political and economic ties between the two countries.

During a state visit, the visiting head of state is usually greeted with full honours and ceremonies, including a state banquet, a military parade, and official meetings with the host country's leaders.

Here is what an official visit entails

On the other hand, an official visit is a less formal visit made by the head of government of one country to the head of government of another country.

An official visit aims to discuss issues of mutual interest, exchange views on international issues, and explore ways to cooperate on specific issues.

Official visits may also include interactions with members of the host country's government, business leaders, and civil society organisations.

In summary, a state visit is a more formal and ceremonial visit, while an official visit is a less formal visit focused on discussing and advancing specific issues of mutual interest.

Working visit

With regards to a working visit, the host country receives a visiting delegation to discuss issues concerning their two countries specifically. No invitation is needed in this case as the visiting delegation shoulders its own cost.

In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that on Sunday, September 18, 2022, Ruto flew out of the country on his maiden foreign trip since his inauguration as Kenya's fifth head of state.

On the three-day trip, the president visited the United Kingdom and later the United States, where he held a series of meetings with world leaders.

In his absentia, according to the 2010 Constitution power hierarchy, Ruto's principal assistant Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, takes charge.