William Ruto Named Among Most Influential Africans In 2023

• President William Ruto was named among the most influential African leaders by the New African magazine for his passion for climate action
• Despite challenges on the domestic front, Ruto successfully navigated both international and local politics, sticking to his agenda to remove food and fuel subsidies
• Ruto’s biggest success was highlighted at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, where Africa secured KSh 3,611,000,000,000 of green funding

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - President William Ruto passion for climate action has seen him named among most influential African leaders by the New African magazine.

The New African magazine is a monthly news magazine based in London that has been published since 1966.

In a statement, the magazine recognised the head of state's unique leadership that has seen him navigate the both international and local politics.

"In a little over one year since he was elected President of Kenya, William Ruto has displayed a remarkable combination of steely resolve with disarming charm.

On the domestic front, it has not been plain sailing and his popularity is waning. Yet he has faced down a series of unofficial strikes called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, while sticking to his agenda to remove food and fuel subsidies to attract much-needed financial support from the Bretton Woods institutions and to reduce the nation's external debts," the magazine said.

Ruto's efforts in making Africa major player climate action

The magazine noted that Ruto's biggest success has been on the international stage, highlighting the successful Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.

During the summit Africa secured KSh 3,611,000,000,000 of green funding and made a powerful declaration on new global taxes and a restructuring of the financial architecture

"In Africa, we can be a green industrial hub that helps other regions achieve their net zero strategies by 2050," Ruto said at the summit.

The head of state was also commended for his insight during an interview with Time, where he reiterated Africa's position, saying, the continent can offer climate-positive growth.

The magazine observed that in one fell swoop Ruto changed the position of Africa from that of a back- seat passenger in the climate crisis discussion to being a lead navigator.

Time Magazine recognises Ruto

In November 2023, Ruto emerged as a leader in green investment for Africa after being recognised among 100 most influential climate world leaders by the TIME Magazine.

Ruto indicated that capital providers must lower the cost of financing because they recognise that the risk associated with investing in Africa is substantially exaggerated.

President Ruto said stopping de-globalisation is the most crucial cause for the population to support.