President William Ruto has been awarded the Order of Dostyk, First Degree, one of the highest state decorations in the Republic of Kazakhstan, during his State Visit to the Central Asian nation.

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The honour was conferred by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana on Tuesday, May 20.

The Order of Dostyk, also known as the Order of Friendship, is awarded to both citizens and foreign nationals who have made significant contributions towards strengthening peace, mutual understanding, diplomatic cooperation, and friendship between nations.

It is regarded as one of Kazakhstan’s most prestigious national honours. The award symbolises exceptional efforts in promoting international cooperation, cultural ties, economic partnerships, and global solidarity.

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Ruto’s conferment comes at a time of growing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Kenya and Kazakhstan, with the two nations seeking to deepen collaboration in trade, infrastructure, technology, mining, and regional connectivity.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony in Astana, Ruto described the award as a symbol of the growing ties between the two countries.

“I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to receive the Order of Dostyk, First Degree, one of the highest distinctions of your great nation,” Ruto said.

Meanwhile, during bilateral talks, Ruto and Tokayev also witnessed the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two countries across multiple strategic sectors.

Among the agreements signed was an MoU on intermodal and multimodal transport systems aimed at enhancing trade and regional integration.

The leaders also discussed closer cooperation between Kazakhstan’s transport corridors and Eastern Africa’s Northern Corridor and the LAPSSET Corridor.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke