This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto is currently in the UK for a two-day official visit, which began on Thursday, August 15, 2019.
During his visit, Ruto is expected to meet with British Government officials and address several public meetings, as he works to advance bilateral trade and investment, education, tourism, and cement existing cooperation frameworks.
According to Ruto, his visit to London is aimed at exploring new opportunities ahead of Brexit.
However, the planned cocktail dinner at the Kenya High Commission, which was expected to host almost 1,000 guests, has been canceled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Matiang'i deemed the dinner as 'unnecessary and a burden to taxpayers,' citing the significant cost to the taxpayer.
Additionally, Matiang'i downsized Ruto's entourage, leaving out three Cabinet Secretaries, two Principal Secretaries, and a number of officials from Ruto's office who were not deemed necessary for the visit.
Only those with meaningful tasks were allowed to travel.
On Friday, August 16, 2019, Ruto will deliver a talk on Kenya's national unity and regional integration at Chatham House in London.
