Just one week after leaving the United States of America, President William Ruto traveled to South Korea on June 3rd, 2024, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto and other government dignitaries to attend the Korea-Africa Summit. The main aim of this summit was to build a much-needed strong relationship between Africa and South Korea. This way, Korea and Africa can take advantage of each other’s strengths to spur mutual growth, counter global challenges, and remain united for the sake of peace and tranquility in both regions. The president is expected to come with a bag of goodies, and here is what Kenyans can expect from his trip to South Korea: 1. Development Funding Kenyans now have a reason to smile as both states signed Ksh.63 Billion concessional development funding that will help finance stalled projects in the country. One of those projects that will benefit immensely from this funding is the Konza Digital Media City Project, which will receive Ksh.30 billion. If this project is completed as expected, Kenya’s digital ecosystem will undergo a paradigm shift, with an increase in creative and digital economic opportunities. This means that young people will benefit as they learn how to use modern technology and commercialize their services. If this is anything to go by, Kenyan youths are bound to reap more at the Konza Technopolis. Apart from the Konza Technopolis development, other sectors that stand to benefit from this funding include the dualing of Machakos Junction-Emali Road(78km), the development of the BRT Line 5, and the Vaccine Production Project, among other ongoing projects being carried out by both states. William Ruto and other dignitaries after signing the agreement 2. Better Working Conditions for Those Working in South Korea Kenyans who have opted to work in other countries often decry mistreatment by their employers for no just cause. To ensure that this stops, President William Ruto has asked South Korean head of state to fast-track the implementation of a bilateral labor agreement that outlines the laws and terms of engagement an employee from Kenya ought to adhere to once they get employed in South Korea. The Kenya-Korea Bilateral Labor Agreement also outlines when the employment contract will end so that the concerned employees can make adequate plans for the same. With this agreement in place, Kenyan employees working in South Korea can be assured that their working conditions will likely improve as we look into the future. 3. Improved Balance of Trade For many years, Kenya has been a net importer. Although the balance of trade currently favors South Korea, President Ruto is ready to reduce that imbalance. If this happens, we might end up exporting more products to South Korea than we are doing at the moment. An improved balance of trade means that Kenyans exporting products to South Korea will be able to make more money from the sale of their products. Final Thoughts President William Ruto’s trip to South Korea was not in vain. From getting development funding to a promise of improving the balance of trade, Kenyans have gained a lot from that trip. In the coming days, Kenya is likely to deepen its relations with South Korea for the mutual benefit of both states and their citizenry.