President William Ruto has been appointed as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform.

The president now takes over from his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.

A statement issued by State House yesterday indicated that the Assembly of the African Union heads of State and Government stated that H.E President Ruto’s role includes providing political leadership and vision to contribute to the completion of the Comprehensive Institutional Reform Initiative, which began in 2016.

His new role involves reforming the structure, functioning and focus of the African Union Commission, AU Organs and Specialized Agencies so that they become more effective and efficient in managing the programs of the African Union. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of these entities in managing the programs of the African Union.

President Ruto has been advocating for reforms within the AU Commission, emphasizing the need for a robust financing mechanism and greater delegated powers for the Union in negotiations on behalf of African countries.

President Ruto insisted on the importance of the African continent speaking in one voice. The AU, according to H.E President Ruto, stands as the best platform to achieve this unity.

He emphasized that the AU Reform Agenda should be a priority, aligning structures and roles to create a fit-for-purpose continental governance body capable of engaging globally.