President Ruto featured on Time Magazine’s ‘Top 100 climate leaders’ list

President William Ruto has been recognised by American publication Time Magazine among 100 world leaders championing for climate action in 2023.

The magazine referred to President Ruto as “a leader on green investment” after Kenya hosted this year’s inaugural Africa Climate Summit that secured funding to the tune of $23 billion (Ksh.3.5 trillion) that will be directed towards the course across the continent.

Speaking to Time Magazine following the recognition, the Head of State advocated for togetherness in the climate crisis as it is a global problem that cannot be sorted by “dividing the world into polluters and victims.”

“Africa can provide affordable renewable energy, green products, and conservation and climate restoration. But that will only happen if we think of humanity as sharing a joint burden and future, and if we deploy economic activities where they make most sense to drive human development and counter climate change as quickly, cheaply, and effectively as possible,” he stated.

“Africa’s renewable energy potential, young workforce, and natural resources and assets create an inherent ability to provide solutions—cost-competitive green products and services, whilst addressing growing global labor shortages.”

The climate list feature comes days after President Ruto led the country in a day of national tree planting, which Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said yielded to over 150 million trees planted across the country.