Ruto Congratulates Hichilema as Zambia President Begins Second Term, Pledges Stronger Kenya Ties

President William Ruto has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema as he begins his second term in office, pledging to deepen Kenya’s relations with Zambia and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Ruto delivered the message in person after travelling to Lusaka, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango at the National Heroes Stadium.

“Congratulations, my brother President Hakainde Hichilema, as you embark on a second term of service to the people of Zambia,” Ruto said.

The Kenyan President described Hichilema’s re-election as a strong expression of the confidence Zambians have placed in his leadership and vision for the country’s transformation.

Ruto wished Hichilema, his administration and the people of Zambia success as they embark on the new term, saying the renewed mandate should translate into greater prosperity and opportunities for Zambians.

“Wishing you, your administration and the people of Zambia every success as you work to translate this renewed mandate into greater prosperity and opportunity for every Zambian,” he said.

The visit also highlighted the growing importance of Kenya-Zambia relations, with Ruto saying Nairobi is committed to expanding trade and investment while advancing areas of shared interest.

“Kenya looks forward to deepening our bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment, and advancing our shared interests,” Ruto said.

The President further linked Kenya’s engagement with Zambia to the broader push for African economic integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Ruto, the continental trade framework provides African countries with a powerful platform to increase trade among themselves, create employment and build sustainable prosperity.

“Together, we will continue working for a more integrated and prosperous Africa, including under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which gives our continent a powerful platform to trade more with itself, create jobs and build African prosperity,” he said.

Ruto’s attendance placed Kenya among a number of African countries represented at the high-profile inauguration ceremony.

Among the leaders present were Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Botswana President Duma Boko, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla also attended the ceremony.

Hichilema’s second term comes as Zambia continues to pursue economic transformation and stronger regional partnerships. Ruto’s visit underscores Nairobi’s interest in maintaining close diplomatic and economic ties with Lusaka while supporting wider efforts to promote intra-African trade and integration.

The Kenyan President’s message also signals his administration’s continued emphasis on regional cooperation, with Kenya seeking stronger economic partnerships across Africa under the AfCFTA framework.

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