President William Ruto has used the re-election of Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema to signal Kenya’s intention to deepen its partnership with Lusaka, describing Zambia as a key regional ally and a brotherly nation.
Ruto congratulated Hichilema after Zambia’s Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the August 13 presidential election, giving the incumbent a second five-year mandate. Hichilema secured about 60 per cent of the vote against his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, who received about 38 per cent.
Rather than focusing solely on the election outcome, Ruto’s message placed emphasis on the future of Kenya-Zambia relations, with the President expressing his readiness to work with Hichilema to expand cooperation between the two countries.
“Kenya holds its relations with the Republic of Zambia in high esteem,” Ruto said, stressing that Nairobi and Lusaka had built longstanding ties through both bilateral and multilateral engagements.
The President said Hichilema’s victory was a reflection of the dedication, perseverance and commitment he had demonstrated in advancing Zambia’s development.
Ruto added that the result showed the confidence Zambians had placed in Hichilema to lead the country into another phase of development and prosperity.
The Kenyan leader said he looked forward to working closely with Hichilema to “solidify and broaden” the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Zambia.
Hichilema’s victory extends his presidency to a second term after his first administration focused heavily on economic recovery, debt restructuring and attracting investment into Zambia’s strategic sectors.
His re-election comes as the government seeks to turn those economic gains into broader improvements in living standards, with the cost of living, employment, electricity supply and poverty remaining major concerns.
The result also provides policy continuity for investors following Zambia’s recovery from its 2020 sovereign debt default and its efforts to restore relations with international lenders.
Zambia is also seeking to significantly increase copper production, making the country an increasingly important player in the global critical-minerals supply chain.
For Kenya, closer engagement with Lusaka could provide an opportunity to strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation with one of Southern Africa’s major economies while expanding Nairobi’s regional partnerships.
Ruto described Zambia as a valuable regional partner and ally, underscoring the strategic importance Kenya attaches to its relationship with the country.
As Hichilema prepares to begin his second term, Ruto wished him success in steering Zambia through the next five years.
He also extended his wishes to the Zambian people for continued peace, unity and prosperity.
Ruto’s message therefore goes beyond a routine congratulatory statement, highlighting Nairobi’s desire to maintain close political relations with Lusaka while exploring opportunities to broaden cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking stronger regional and economic partnerships.
Hichilema’s decisive victory gives him a renewed mandate to pursue his development agenda, while Ruto’s congratulatory message places Kenya among the regional partners looking to work with his administration during its second term.
