Ruto jets out to South Korea
President William Ruto is set to fly out of the country to South Korea.
Ruto announced his trip on Sunday, June 2, 2024, while in Bungoma, where he said the mission of his trip is to forge partnerships for youth employment.
Ruto says Korea has promised Ksh40 billion for the creative economy and Ksh25 billion for the construction of dams across the country.
"I am heading to South Korea today for three things. I was in Korea last year and we agreed with the president that we should amalgamate our university in Athi River with their university. They have also given us Ksh40 billion for our youths in the creative economy. That is the money I'm going for," Ruto said.
"You saw recently I visited one of the biggest creative economies in America. We also agreed (with Korea) that they will give us Ksh25 billion for equipment to make dams for irrigation. We are also planning for our youths to get jobs in Korea."
Ruto says up to 10,000 youths are poised to get jobs in South Korea following an agreement between Kenya and the country.
Ruto's trip to South Korea comes a week after he landed in the country after a state visit to the US.
State Hous Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed says Ruto is also scheduled to attend the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul.
At the summit, Africa and South Korea will discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade promotion, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and job creation.
Mohamed says the discussions will also cover agricultural productivity, climate change response, and transitioning to carbon-free energy.
During his visit, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol to review the progress of the Ksh132 billion Framework Arrangement partnership agreed upon during his last visit in November 2022.
"This partnership focuses on key projects including water and irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, and the creative economy. Agreements worth Ksh40 billion will be concluded to create opportunities in Kenya's creative economy sector, and Ksh25 billion for water and irrigation projects," Mohamed said.
"Several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will also be signed to deepen partnerships and collaboration in health, agriculture, and ICT, among other sectors. Kenya will engage South Korea in exploring technology opportunities, including developing its semiconductor industry. Additionally, Kenya will join the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance its vaccine manufacturing goals."
During the visit, Kenya and South Korea are expected to finalise a Labor Migration Program, potentially making Kenya one of the few African countries approved for labour supply under the South Korean Employment Permit System (EPS) Program.
"The trip will also set the stage for Kenya and South Korea to initiate negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries," Mohamed added.
