Ruto pledges deeper Kenya-UK ties in message to new PM Andy Burnham

In a message posted on his official X account on Monday, Ruto extended his best wishes to Burnham on behalf of the government and people of Kenya as the new premier assumed office.

"Your appointment is the culmination of a distinguished record of public service and a steadfast commitment to practical, people-centred leadership, values that align closely with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda," Ruto said.

The President said he looked forward to working with Burnham's government to expand cooperation in trade and investment, green growth, innovation and security, describing the relationship between the two countries as long-standing and mutually beneficial.

"Together, we will strengthen the enduring friendship between our two nations and create greater opportunities and shared prosperity for the citizens of our two nations," he added.

Burnham took office on Monday as Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, succeeding Keir Starmer, who announced his resignation in June. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester and Member of Parliament for Makerfield was elected Labour Party leader last week before being formally invited by King Charles III to form a government at Buckingham Palace.

In his first address outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to restore political stability and deliver what he called a circuit breaker for Britain, promising sweeping economic and social reforms