William Ruto assumed the office of President of Kenya on 13 September 2022, marking a trajectory from his early roots in Kamagut to the national executive. Throughout a career spanning three decades, he held multiple ministerial portfolios and served as the nation's first elected deputy president, navigating the complex dynamics of Kenyan electoral politics and shifting party alliances.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born in 1966, Ruto is of Kalenjin descent. He attended Kamagut Primary School and Kerotet Primary School before completing his secondary education at Kapsabet High School. He enrolled at the University of Nairobi, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology. He later attained a Master of Science in Plant Ecology and, on 21 December 2018, graduated with a Ph.D. from the same institution. His academic contributions include research on wetland plant species diversity.
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Ruto entered parliament as the member for Eldoret North in 1997, serving until 2013 under the KANU and ODM parties. His executive experience began in 2002 as the Minister for Home Affairs. During the Mwai Kibaki administration, he served as the Minister for Agriculture from 2008 to 2010 and briefly as the Minister for Education in 2010. These roles preceded his election as deputy president in 2013, a position he held until 2022.
Presidential Administration
Since his 2022 election, Ruto has directed national initiatives including the Talanta Sports City stadium project and an extensive tree-planting campaign targeting 15 billion trees by 2032. His administration has engaged in mediation efforts regarding conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. In 2024, significant public opposition to a proposed finance bill led his government to withdraw the legislation following widespread protests.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Kamagut
- Education: University of Nairobi, Kapsabet High School
- Minister of Home Affairs: 2002
- Minister of Agriculture: 2008-2010
- Minister of Education: 2010
- Vice-President of Kenya: 2013-2022
- President of Kenya: 2022-present
- Languages: English, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Kiswahili
Questions readers ask
What subjects did William Ruto study at university?
He earned a BSc in Botany and Zoology and an MSc in Plant Ecology from the University of Nairobi.
Which cabinet positions has William Ruto held?
He served as Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Education.
Achievements
- Vice-President of Kenya (2013–2022)
- Minister of Home Affairs (2002–2002)
- Minister of Agriculture of Kenya (2008–2010)
- Minister of Education of Kenya (2010–2010)
- Educated at University of Nairobi and Kapsabet High School
