President William Ruto stunned crowds at the Nairobi International Trade Fair after personally stepping into a Made in Kenya solar-powered vehicle and taking it for a spin.
The commander in chief, known for his hustler brand, used the moment to signal support for local innovators pushing green technology at a time when fuel costs continue to frustrate millions of Kenyans.
In a viral video already circulating online https://www.facebook.com/100064070589041/posts/pfbid035xRbxZaXF3eTjVqyFWri3pvwqjmS91HXXHtEcUMHEaNeVsEtN9rtF1vHsvgbBAuol/?app=fbl, Ruto was seen confidently driving the solar car around the showground as excited crowds cheered. The clip quickly trended on TikTok and Facebook, sparking conversations on whether the state is finally ready to back homegrown technology beyond speeches and exhibitions.
The head of state was accompanied by CS Energy Opiyo Wandayi, who has been under pressure to provide clear policies on renewable energy.
ICT CS William Kabogo also found himself in the spotlight as innovators used the opportunity to push for digital support and government funding to scale their projects.
Observers read deeper into the president’s symbolic test drive. By putting himself behind the wheel, Ruto cast the image of a leader willing to ride on local solutions instead of depending solely on foreign imports. ODM boss Raila Odinga, seated at the VIP dais, watched closely as the spectacle unfolded, a reminder that politics and innovation remain tightly linked in Kenya.
Interior CS Murkomen and CS Treasury John Mbadi will now face questions on whether such projects can be secured and financed properly, or whether this will end up as another photo-op without long-term results. For young Kenyans struggling with joblessness, the car represented possibility, not just spectacle.
By Nairobi