President Ruto named in Times 100 most influential people

President William Ruto at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

President William Ruto has been named among the top 100 most influential people of 2024 by the Times.

Ruto was named alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Musician Dua Lipa, Actress Taraji P Henson, and Nigerian artist Burna Boy.

He was named after hosting the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi last September which drew leaders from around the globe.

“The event concluded with a unanimous agreement from African countries in attendance to rapidly expand renewable energy over the next decade, aided by $23 billion in pledges to catalyze the continent’s climate goals,” the Times says.

According to the Times, President Ruto’s call for lenders to relieve the debt burden faced by some African countries and starting the conversation on climate solutions was notable.

However, The Times states that despite his strides in the international space, Ruto has to deal with challenges back in the country.

“To continue to make progress abroad, Ruto will need to manage challenges at home too,”