Kenya’s President William Ruto has said the African Union (AU) is not fit for purpose, calling for sweeping reforms to reposition the continental body.
Ruto made the remarks while addressing intelligence chiefs at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa, noting that African leaders had tasked him with spearheading reform efforts.
“My colleagues, heads of state, gave me the assignment to work on the reform of the African Union institutions and organs to make them fit for purpose for a time such as this,” he said.
“I can tell you without an iota of doubt that the African Union, as it is today, is not fit for purpose. It is not fit to provide the leadership that this continent needs going into the future. And therefore, there is need for reform of the African Union.”
He urged intelligence officials to help shape a more effective AU.
“I am asking you as intelligence leaders to assist us to figure out what kind of African Union we need to unlock the opportunities that exist in our continent,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ruto had earlier promised a firm crackdown on cartels operating in Nairobi, warning that the days of protecting powerful interests at the expense of public welfare are over.
In his address before the Nairobi County Assembly on Thursday, Ruto urged both county and national governments to coordinate closely in dismantling networks that profit from dysfunction and institutional paralysis.
“There are those who make money through institutional failure. They shout the loudest against reform because they thrive on disorder,” he said.
“Let me be very clear, the era of appeasing cartels at the expense of public interest must come to an end. Leadership is not about protecting a few people; it is about delivering justice and order.”
Ruto emphasized that Nairobi’s governance requires focus on tangible results rather than political posturing.
“The document is not ceremonial, it is not public relations, it is not politics for headlines. Your role in governance cannot be overstated. You have a duty to ensure that the needs of your constituents are properly addressed,” he said.
He condemned the persistent cycle of blame and inaction that has slowed progress in the capital.
“What Nairobi needs is not speeches, complaints, or pointing fingers. It needs order, execution, and results. That is exactly what we intend to deliver together,” he added.
The President acknowledged the public’s growing frustration over the state of the city.
“I have listened carefully to what Kenyans have said about Nairobi. I have heard their anger and disappointment what businesses, visitors, and investors report, and what Kenyans in the diaspora say when comparing us with other countries. They are right to question why we struggle with basic order and to demand better,” he said.
