Ruto navigates EAC muddy waters, but he has a grand trade plan

Kenyan President William Ruto with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

Kenyan President William Ruto with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa. PHOTO | PSCU

Speeches by Kenyan President William Ruto since his inauguration on September 13 have left no doubt about the East Africa he wants — a borderless bloc.

And he’s banking on his friend, Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni, to help push the agenda of eliminating barriers in trade, customs, financial services and even cultures.