President William Ruto returned home from a high-profile tour of Yokohama, Japan, where he attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), to a comparatively less eventful but deeply symbolic week on the home front.
After jetting back into the country, the President retreated to his rural Uasin Gishu home.
He was spotted on Sunday inspecting his dairy herd.
Clad in casual wear, Ruto was captured walking through a shed, personally attending to his cows.
Known for his hands-on approach to farming, the Head of State has often been seen supervising workers and lending a hand.
August 26, Tuesday
Ruto’s official duties began at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V.
The President congratulated him on assuming the leadership of the Shia Ismaili Imamat and for receiving Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.).
“We deeply value our close ties with the Ismaili Imamat, which have fostered strong collaboration in healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation,” said Ruto.
The partnership, he noted, has seen health facilities serve more than 900,000 patients annually, supported nearly 1,000 public schools, and facilitated the planting of 1.5 million trees in Kenya over the last three years.
The President also hailed Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) for her lifelong contribution to health, education, and social development.
Later the same day, Ruto bade farewell to Ghana High Commissioner Damptey Bediako Asare. “Kenya-Ghana diplomatic relations are strong, cordial and dynamic, dating back to the pre-independence days and the enduring partnership between the founding fathers of our two nations,” Ruto said.
He also held talks with Ukraine’s outgoing Ambassador Andril Pravednyk, who conveyed a goodwill message from President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Pravednyk is also returning to his country after a completing his tour of duty in the country.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
He stressed: “We strongly believe in the UN Charter, especially on national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dialogue, not war, is the path to peace.”
August 27, Wednesday
The President shifted focus to local politics, meeting grassroots leaders from Kiambu County at State House.
Here, he shared his administration’s three-year report card, touching on healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and jobs.
“We made a solemn commitment to the people of Kenya to transform our nation. This promise is no longer a dream; it is unfolding before our eyes,” he said.
He emphasised the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaces NHIF. “Healthcare is no longer a privilege for the few who can afford, but a right for every Kenyan. SHA must work, and it will work,” he said.
The President announced the construction of 30 modern markets worth Sh4.5 billion in Kiambu, 15,000 housing units at a cost of Sh30 billion, and major road projects, including the Sh22 billion Muthaiga-Ndumberi dual carriageway and Sh20 billion Northern Bypass expansion.
Later in the day, he presided over the inaugural Katiba Day at KICC, marking 15 years of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
The event followed his proclamation setting August 27 every year as Katiba Day.
It is, however, a normal working but made for Kenyans to reflect on the milestones since it promulgation in 2010.
“Born of painful lessons and the struggles of generations, the Constitution stands as our solemn vow of Never Again. As President, I reaffirm my oath to uphold, protect, and defend the Constitution. I call upon every arm of government, and every citizen, to do the same,” he told the gathering.
August 28, Thursday
He was in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where over 18,000 recruits graduated from the National Youth Service (NYS) Paramilitary Academy.
In his address, Ruto announced that the government is undertaking far-reaching reforms to transform NYS into a dynamic and productive institution.
"To ensure more young Kenyans benefit, we are expanding recruitment into the NYS from the current 20,000 to 100,000 by the year 2028, the largest expansion in its history,” he said.
Later at State House, Nairobi, he hosted Harambee Stars and other athletes for a luncheon in celebration of their recent performance at the CHAN tournament.
“We are intentional and resolute in nurturing talent and building an ecosystem where our athletes can realise their full potential, inspire greatness, and conquer the world stage,” Ruto said.
To further motivate sportsmen and women, he pledged government support in housing.
“My administration has committed to meet half the cost of two-bedroom units under the Affordable Housing Programme and extend access to affordable mortgages to help our athletes offset the balance,” he added.
August 29, Friday
He hosted grassroots leaders from Meru County at State House, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in attendance.
The discussions centered on regional development and ongoing government projects.
From tending to his dairy herd in Uasin Gishu to steering foreign diplomacy presiding over key national events, Ruto’s week reflected the mix of personal grounding and high office that defines his presidency.
