President William Ruto has just concluded a state visit to the United States of America and is coming back loaded with a bag of goodies.
Themed 'Partnership to Prosperity', the visit aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries in trade, climate change, education and regional security.
The deals include military support, an exchange programme between Kenyan and US universities, support towards Kenya's criminal justice system, modernisation of the Kenya Police Service and improvement of the Kenya Prisons Service.
Also in the goodies bag are media and civil society support, anti-malaria campaigns, fight against corruption and counter-terrorism measures.
The support is welcome, but as they say, there is no free lunch and to whom much is given much is expected.
The Ruto administration must show commitment in its fight against corruption devoid of the public relations exercise aimed at pleasing donors.
Our universities are struggling and if we expect the exchange programme to be of any benefit to both parties, then Kenya must decide between quality and quantity when it comes to higher education.
The police and prison reforms should also not just be about equipment but improving the welfare and changing the attitude of those serving in these two key institutions.
Overall, the US visit was a win-win situation for both states, however, how each utilises the opportunities is what will make the difference.
Quote of the Day: “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The American essayist and philosopher was born on May 25, 1803
