Ruto hails Hichilema’s second term as Kenya and Zambia pledge deeper ties
A regional gathering in Lusaka signals Africa’s quiet but determined push toward greater integration — with trade at its centre.
By MKT Reporter
President William Ruto yesterday attended the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, using the occasion to pledge deeper bilateral ties and reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to African economic integration.
Hichilema, who was sworn in alongside Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, secured re-election in a result that his continental peers described as a powerful expression of public confidence in his transformative agenda. Ruto offered warm congratulations, framing the renewed mandate as an opportunity to accelerate shared regional ambitions.
“Your re-election is a strong expression of the confidence the people of Zambia have placed in your leadership,” Ruto said, adding that Kenya looked forward to expanding trade, investment and bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Both leaders expressed commitment to advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vehicle for intra-African commerce and job creation. The ceremony drew Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Duma Boko of Botswana, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, alongside Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
The gathering underscored southern and eastern Africa’s growing diplomatic cohesion at a moment when continental integration demands exactly that.
Some of the moments as captured in pictures
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