PS Korir Sing’oei Intervenes After Ruto Labels Uganda and Tanzania as Least Developed Countries
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, has stepped in to defuse growing diplomatic tension following remarks made by President William Ruto during his official visit to China.
The President’s comments, which referred to neighbouring countries Uganda and Tanzania as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have sparked a wave of criticism and concern from regional partners and citizens alike.
While addressing a gathering in Beijing on Wednesday, April 23, President Ruto remarked on Kenya’s trade challenges with China, contrasting the country’s economic status with that of its neighbours.
“The difference between us and our neighbours is that Kenya is in the middle-income category. Our neighbours, Tanzania, Uganda and others, are among the least-developed countries or LDCs. We are categorised higher than them, so when they export duty-free, Kenya exports with duty,” President Ruto stated.
The comments immediately triggered a backlash across East Africa, with many interpreting them as diplomatically insensitive.
Critics, including some within Kenya, expressed concern that such statements could undermine regional solidarity and economic cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).
In response to the uproar, Principal Secretary Sing’oei issued a statement seeking to clarify the President’s remarks and provide broader context. According to Dr. Sing’oei, the excerpt circulating on social media had been taken out of context and misrepresented the President’s intent.
“President Ruto was addressing specific challenges that Kenyan exports face in accessing the Chinese market. Unlike Kenya, which is classified as a lower middle-income country, several of our neighbours fall under the United Nations’ Least Developed Countries category. As a result, they benefit from preferential treatment under international trade agreements, which Kenya is excluded from,” he explained.
He further emphasized that the LDC classification is a formal economic categorization established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1971.
This category was created to ensure that the most economically vulnerable developing countries receive special international support measures, including reduced tariffs and duty-free market access.
“The LDC category was established by the UN General Assembly in 1971 as an acknowledgement that special support measures were necessary to assist the least developed among the developing countries,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted.
Dr. Sing’oei also pointed out that Kenya’s non-LDC status places it at a disadvantage when competing for global market access. This reality has driven the country to pursue bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to level the playing field.
“It is partly the reason Kenya negotiated the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union,” the statement added. “Since LDCs enjoy preferential access to the EU market, Kenya had to seek an alternative framework to safeguard its exports. A similar trade agreement with China will be necessary to ensure parity in market access.”
Coinciding with the President’s remarks was the release of a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which projected that Kenya is poised to become East Africa’s largest economy by 2025.
According to the report, Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to rise to $132 billion (Ksh 17 trillion), overtaking Ethiopia’s projected $117 billion GDP.
This shift in regional economic rankings marks a significant development, especially considering Ethiopia’s sharp decline from $143 billion in GDP the previous year. The drop is largely attributed to the devaluation of the Ethiopian birr, following the country’s decision to liberalise its currency in July 2024 after nearly a century of tight control.
The currency devaluation—exceeding 55 percent against the US dollar—enabled Ethiopia to unlock a $3.4 billion loan from the IMF and secure an additional $16.6 billion from the World Bank.
These funds, in turn, facilitated negotiations with international creditors to restructure approximately half of Ethiopia’s $28.9 billion external debt.
As Kenya prepares to solidify its position as an economic leader in the region, Principal Secretary Sing’oei’s diplomatic intervention underscores the importance of maintaining strong and respectful relations with neighbouring countries.
His clarifications aim not only to contain diplomatic fallout but also to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
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PS Korir Sing’oei Intervenes After Ruto Labels Uganda and Tanzania as Least Developed Countries
