President William Ruto has been bestowed with the Order of Dostyk, First Degree, one of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s highest state decorations, during his official visit to the Central Asian nation.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented the prestigious award in Astana on Tuesday, May 20.
The Order of Dostyk, also referred to as the Order of Friendship, is granted to both citizens and foreign individuals who have made substantial contributions toward enhancing peace, mutual understanding, diplomatic collaboration, and friendly relations between nations.
It stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most distinguished national honors, representing extraordinary efforts in fostering international cooperation, cultural connections, economic partnerships, and global unity. This recognition comes amid growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kenya and Kazakhstan, with both nations seeking to deepen collaboration in trade, infrastructure, technology, mining, and regional connectivity.
During the award ceremony in Astana, Ruto expressed that the honor symbolizes the strengthening bonds between the two countries.
“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honored to receive the Order of Dostyk, First Degree, one of the highest distinctions of your great nation,” Ruto stated.
In bilateral discussions, Ruto and Tokayev also observed the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and cooperation agreements designed to reinforce the partnership between the two countries across various strategic sectors.
Among the agreements signed was one focused on enhancing trade and regional integration.
The heads of state additionally examined closer collaboration between Kazakhstan’s transport corridors and Eastern Africa’s Northern Corridor and the LAPSSET Corridor.
Kenya and Kazakhstan further established an agreement on ICT and e-government services to encourage cooperation in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and digital public service delivery.
In the mining sector, the two nations formalized a cooperation agreement centered on resource development, value addition, industrialization, and implementation of mining investment projects intended to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment opportunities.