President William Ruto has been named among Times magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2024 in the world.
The list released on Wednesday, April 17, placed Ruto among other key change makers including global leaders, creatives and activists.
Times’ senior correspondent Justin Worland hailed the head of state for being a key voice of Africa’s climate ambitions, highlighting Kenya hosting the climate summit in 2023.
Further, he stated that African countries that were represented in the event were able to come to an agreement over the expansion of renewable energy.
“Kenyan President William Ruto has emerged as a key voice of Africa’s climate ambitions, hosting a summit in Nairobi last September that drew leaders from around the globe.
“The event concluded with a unanimous agreement from African countries in attendance to rapidly expand renewable energy over the next decade, aided by $23 billion in pledges to catalyze the continent’s climate goals,” said Worland.
Also Read: Ruto Ranked Among 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023, Here’s Why
Other Reasons Ruto Was Selected in the List
Additionally, the correspondent stated that Ruto had played a key role in calling for lenders to relieve the debt burden of African countries.
“His call for lenders to relieve the debt burden faced by some African countries, thus opening the door for spending on climate solutions, has also made waves,” he added in the report.
However, the Times magazine also highlighted that despite the praise the president received, Kenya was still struggling with different issues including the rising cost of living and a gas-tax.
The correspondent called on Ruto to fix the problems at home first if he was to continue making progress abroad.
“But Ruto’s new prominence on the international stage comes amid significant challenges in Kenya, including last summer’s protests against the rising cost of living and a gas-tax increase Ruto spearheaded, as well as this January’s demonstrations against allegations of judicial interference.
“To continue to make progress abroad, Ruto will need to manage challenges at home too,” added the publication.
Also Read: Nairobi Ranked Among Top 5 Richest Cities in Africa
Most influential Africans
In January 2024, Ruto was named one of the most influential Africans in 2023 by the New African Magazine, for overcoming challenges including pressure from the opposition in 2023.
The magazine indicated that he showed resilience and determination to stick to his agenda.
In particular, the New African Magazine explained how Ruto chose to stick to his decision of scrapping subsidies in line with requirements of Kenya’s financial partners.
Additionally, it highlighted Ruto’s firmness on scrapping fuel and food subsidies which it indicated played a central role in attracting the institutions which helped Kenya avert a debt crisis.
