President William Ruto has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, describing his victory as a testament to his dedication, perseverance and commitment to Zambia's development.
Hichilema secured a second five-year term after winning about 60 per cent of the vote in Zambia's August 13 presidential election. The result was announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia on Tuesday.
In his message, Ruto said Hichilema's victory demonstrated the confidence Zambians had placed in his leadership.
The Kenyan President expressed confidence that Kenya and Zambia would continue strengthening their bilateral relations during Hichilema's second term, particularly in areas of mutual economic and development interest.
Hichilema's re-election comes after a first term in which his administration focused heavily on economic reforms, including Zambia's recovery from its 2020 sovereign debt default and efforts to attract investment into the country's mining sector.
His victory was, however, not without controversy.
The election was held against a backdrop of concerns from opposition figures and civil society groups over restrictions on political activity and the treatment of opposition leaders. The electoral process was also disrupted by violence at some polling stations and the theft of ballot materials, according to the Associated Press.
Hichilema's main challenger, Brian Mundubile, secured about 38 per cent of the vote, according to the official results.
The election nevertheless gives Hichilema another five-year mandate to pursue his economic agenda, with the copper-rich country seeking to translate debt restructuring and macroeconomic stabilisation into stronger growth and job creation.
For Kenya, Hichilema's re-election is significant because of the close relations between Nairobi and Lusaka and the two countries' shared interests in regional trade, investment and infrastructure.
Ruto's congratulatory message signals Kenya's intention to maintain those ties as Hichilema begins his second term.
Hichilema's victory also adds another chapter to his political journey. A businessman who had contested the presidency several times before finally winning in 2021, he has now secured a second mandate after defeating 13 challengers in the latest election.
