MOSCOW, Russia — President William Ruto arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday for the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, marking his first visit to Moscow since taking office in 2022. He is attending to deepen Kenya–Russia relations and advance strategic partnerships in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and technology. radio47.fm
In a statement upon arrival, Ruto said: “Arrived in Moscow, Russian Federation, for the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, to deepen Kenya–Russia relations and advance strategic partnerships in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and technology. Our focus is on unlocking economic opportunities, strengthening cooperation in peace and security, and advancing Kenya’s development priorities and Africa’s collective prosperity.” @ralphtesh
The forum, held alongside the Third Russia-Africa Summit on October 28–29 at Moscow’s Gostiny Dvor, carries the theme “Together we are developing mutually beneficial cooperation and the potential of each African country.” It is co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current African Union chairperson. Representatives from nearly 50 African countries are participating, with about 22 represented at the head of state or government level. The business programme features more than 40 sessions and discussions organised around four thematic blocks: sovereignty as the foundation of sustainable development, the economy of a sovereign world order, socio-humanitarian cooperation and human capital, and technologies and innovations for improving quality of life. vedomosti.ru
Expected outcomes include a final declaration, a Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan for 2027–2029, a declaration on cooperation in the civilian application of artificial intelligence, and the signing of numerous intergovernmental and commercial agreements.
For Kenya, priorities include securing greater market access for tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce, and value-added products; attracting investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure; and pursuing partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and technology transfer. As the African Union champion on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ruto is also expected to promote Kenya as an investment gateway to African markets during the Africa–Russia Business Roundtable and to address food security through access to affordable agricultural inputs. nairobinews.co.ke
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi arrived earlier and is participating in bilateral engagements, including with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The visit represents a shift from 2023, when Ruto declined to attend the second summit in St. Petersburg and opted for representation through African Union organs. Bilateral trade remains imbalanced, with Kenyan exports to Russia far smaller than imports of items such as wheat, fertiliser, and steel. Officials hope the engagements will translate longstanding diplomatic ties into concrete economic gains for Kenyan businesses and the broader continent.