Ruto talks financing, AGOA, cost of US trip in exclusive VOA interview

Kenyan President William Ruto has told VOA he’s pleased that "everybody has come to appreciate" the need for "a fairer" international financial architecture. He said the current situation that requires most developing countries to pay between "five and eight times more" in interest payments for resources on the global market is unfortunate.

Ruto spoke exclusively to VOA Swahili Service reporter Hubbah Abdi Friday after he concluded his state visit to the United States. They touched on a range of topics, including the U.S-Africa trade program known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, which he says "is working pretty well in its current form."

The Kenyan President also addressed criticisms surrounding the cost of his U.S. trip, which some news media reported would cost around $1.5 million. Ruto did not give a figure, but instead he said the budget is "completely exaggerated," and "ridiculous."
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[vincentmiruka]

In Kenya the truth will always come out it is just a matter of time the population is highly informed - we've no deficit of ignorant persons.

[evangelistgrace]

Great Mr. President! Did you remember to mention the 1998 US Embassy victims to be compensated who have suffered for more than 25

[franciswokabi]

If kenya can reduce corruption by 50 % reduce wastage we can do far much better than borrowing

[geesp]

As a Caribbean national, I thank GOD for President Ruto's resolve in extending this help to the Haitian people at this time of their CONSIDERABLE need for peace and stability. This initiative from a continental African leader is as awe inspiring as are the innovative capacities of Kenyans, in emerging technologies. Thanks for truly valuing us in CARICOM who form part of the diaspora which is the sixth (6th) region of Africa.

[josphinejackson]

Let wait and see when the deal is to good think twice

[hermannjrj]

THE HAITIAN PEOPLE IS A PEOPLE WHO IS NOT A SOLD IT, NOT A SLAVE OF ENGLEND AND U.S...THE HAITIAN PEOPLE ARE PROUD OF TO BE HAITIAN, BLACK PEOPLE..HAITI IS A FREE LAND WITH RESPECTFULL FOR BROTHERS, SISTERS GRANDFATHERS AFRICANS. WE ARE NOT SLAVES, WE ARE INDEPENDENT WITH OUR EMPEROR JEAN JACQUES DESSALINES IN WE TRUST.

[lbqldqs]

Full of rhetorics, short on substance!

[Razzelkosgei]

The biggest confident liar in the world

[Teresia-mxhk]

praying that God Almighty gives you peace Sir, and leads your path with righteousness.

[goodluckherrison]

The same way he lied to us, tukampea kura! God is watching You!

[johnonyango]

The cunning little Fox 🦊 story 😅😅😅 if you know you know 😊

[jacquessteenkamp]

😂😂😂😂😂 they just want more and more and not pay back a thing

[paulgatheru]

President Ruto in terms of economy he is opening Kenya.. politics is after destroying the business community. Kenyans Wake up unless you do international Trade just Shhss.. He is helping a lot!!

[briantanui]

Wah!! He can lie straight in your eyes. The guy has increased expenditure in his office. He's busy roaming around the world using taxpayer money. You be a fool to believe anything he is saying check the facts. Serial liar

[abdiabdi]

Stima Kenya Ethiopia Uganda Angola Botswana Ethiopia Rwanda south Africa Tanzania djabuti Somalialand Wana bata kila siku 1 50 billion us dollars

[TheNationalist-wv]

There's something between big ears and leadership. Obama...

[ericmuthui]

Huyu anaongelea Kenya gani😮the one am currently a citizen of is totally different from what he's talking about...hatuko Kenya moja na huyu daktari😢

[ogwellpeter]

Agoa is not working pretty well, the purpose of Agoa was to stimulate cotton production so that kenya can rejuvinate agriculture and value addition by reopening KICOMI and other textile industries. Instead borkers are importing fabric and re exporting finish products. How does that help our industries

[yxmjbyk]

In that agoas deal I read pure corruption bribing
forgive me
😂😂😂😂

[tonykipchirchir]

SO WILL ZAKAYO GET A DISCOUNT FOR THE EXPENSIVE LOAN? DINNERS AND RED CARPETS FOR MKOPO?