Deputy President William Ruto has become the first Kenyan to be awarded the Life Achievement Award, an annual award given to distinguished East Africans who show outstanding service to the public.

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Ruto was awarded at a lavish ceremony held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Sunday at an event also attend by his wife Rachel Ruto as well as Governors Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot) and Josephat Nanok (Turkana) and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Among other high profile personalities who have in the past bagged the award are Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.

During the award ceremony, Ruto was described as Africa’s rising star in politics and government.

He was also praised for the hard work that enabled him to overcome adversity and poverty to emerge as one of the leading politicians in Kenya with ambition, determination and perseverance "which is an inspiration to millions of young Africans".

While receiving the award, the DP  said he was honoured by the award saying entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation helped him reach his present level in the Kenyan society.

"Without creativity and of course entrepreneurship I wouldn't be standing before you today," the former Eldoret North MP said.

Ruto is expected to accompany Museveni to Kapchorwa in  Eastern Uganda today (Sunday) where they will commission a road that will link Kenya to Uganda through West Pokot.