Ruto talks financing, AGOA, cost of US trip in exclusive VOA interview

Kenyan President William Ruto has told VOA he’s pleased that "everybody has come to appreciate" the need for "a fairer" international financial architecture. He said the current situation that requires most developing countries to pay between "five and eight times more" in interest payments for resources on the global market is unfortunate. Ruto spoke exclusively to VOA Swahili Service reporter Hubbah Abdi Friday after he concluded his state visit to the United States. They touched on a range of topics, including the U.S-Africa trade program known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, which he says "is working pretty well in its current form." The Kenyan President also addressed criticisms surrounding the cost of his U.S. trip, which some news media reported would cost around $1.5 million. Ruto did not give a figure, but instead he said the budget is "completely exaggerated," and "ridiculous."