President Ruto’s Challenge to Kenyan Universities

President William Ruto has challenged universities to push for an intra-African trade and investment agenda.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 7 during the launch of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Trade And Policy Development Centre at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Ruto said universities should design models to engage stakeholders governments, and regional blocs to develop policies that will result in economic transformation in Africa.

“Universities must step forward and be at the forefront in pushing the intra-African trade and investments agenda. Designing viable models that engage stakeholders, governments and regional economic blocs to develop policies will spur inclusive and sustainable economic transformation in the continent,” said Ruto.

The Head of State at the same time noted that Africa has continued to rank at the bottom when it comes to participating, contributing, and competing in the global economy relative to other regional blocs.

President Ruto noted that the continent accounts for only 3 per cent of global trade because a stronger performance is prevented by disjointed and fragmented markets, besides other structural deficiencies and historical legacies.

“Historically, the continent has been afflicted by the horrific legacy of colonial tyranny, economic exploitation, and political instability, which have hindered Africa's ability to participate fully in global trade and benefit from its own resources,” the President stated.

Ruto also observed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) centre marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of economic transformation across the continent.

He pointed out that under AfCFTA, there is a chance to transform our continent into a global economic powerhouse and elevate the lives of millions of African citizens.