Order of Dostyk, First Degree: Ruto receives top Kazakhstan honour during state visit

The State decoration, also known as the Order of Friendship, is awarded by the President of Kazakhstan to both citizens and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to strengthening peace, mutual understanding, diplomatic cooperation, and friendship between nations. 

The First Degree (First Class) is the highest tier of this prestigious decoration. 

Accepting the decoration from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Mr. Ruto said that it reflects the firm friendship between Kenya and Kazakhstan, vowing to deepen the ties for posterity.

"It reflects our shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and the enrichment of cultures across continents," he said.

"As I wear this star and sash, I do so with reverence for the values they embody: unity, respect, and solidarity. I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Kenya, who stand with the people of Kazakhstan in the pursuit of harmony and prosperity."

"President Ruto is the first Kenyan president to make a State Visit to Kazakhstan, I come here with a clear message."

The two Heads of State reviewed the state of the bilateral relations for both nations and agreed on practical measures to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation, and regional connectivity. 

They signed bilateral agreements covering ICT and e-government services, agriculture, transport and infrastructure, finance, tourism, climate action, mining, and exploration and space technology.

"Kenya views Kazakhstan as a vital strategic partner and an important gateway to Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region," he said in his address.

"In turn, Kenya stands ready to serve as Kazakhstan’s gateway to East and Central Africa, and has invited Kazakhstan to establish Nairobi as a strategic base for its operations on the continent, while utilising the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu as key logistics gateways to regional markets."

President Ruto's 2-day visit comes after he visited Azerbaijan as part of his mission to position Kenya as a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.

He has boasted of Kenya's highly skilled and youthful workforce and growing opportunities in technology-enabled services.