Kenya will seek to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation with Russia and other African countries during the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, in Moscow.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi confirmed Kenya’s participation following a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Kenya Vsevolod Tkachenko at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs headquarters on Tuesday.
Mudavadi said Kenya’s participation would focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing cooperation in trade and investment, economic development, diplomatic training and cultural exchange.
He said the engagement was intended to open new markets for Kenyan businesses, deepen economic partnerships and create opportunities for young innovators.
“For Kenyans, this means pursuing new markets for businesses, stronger economic partnerships and opportunities for young innovators. Kenya’s place on the global stage must translate into real opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi said in a statement shared on his X account.
The discussions also covered cooperation in energy, food security and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as Kenya seeks to expand its international economic partnerships.
“Our discussions with Ambassador Tkachenko also focused on advancing Kenya’s interests in energy, food security and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence,” he added.
Mudavadi said the government remained committed to translating diplomatic engagement into investment, economic opportunities and tangible benefits for Kenyans.
The accompanying Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum is expected to provide a platform for governments, private sector players and other stakeholders to explore areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Kenya and Russia also discussed preparations for the summit and ways to deepen bilateral relations through practical initiatives supporting their respective development priorities.
Kenya’s participation comes amid government efforts to diversify economic partnerships, expand market access for local products, attract investment and promote cooperation in sectors that could support job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The engagement forms part of Kenya’s broader economic diplomacy agenda, which seeks to use international relations to advance national development priorities and improve livelihoods.
Background to the Russia–Africa Summit
The first Russia–Africa Summit was held in Sochi, Russia, on October 23–24, 2019. It was co-chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who was then chairperson of the African Union.
The inaugural summit brought together 45 heads of state and government and established a framework for structured engagement between Russia and African countries. Kenya was represented by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The summit framework covers cooperation in politics, security, trade, investment, science and technology, culture and humanitarian affairs.
The second Russia–Africa Summit took place in St Petersburg on July 27–28, 2023, bringing together 17 heads of state and government. The meeting sought to build on the Sochi framework and expand political, economic and humanitarian cooperation.
Kenya was represented at the 2023 summit by Benson Ogutu, who was then Kenya’s ambassador to Russia.
The forthcoming meeting in Moscow will provide another opportunity for Kenya to pursue its economic and diplomatic interests as it seeks to strengthen ties with Russia and broaden its engagement with international partners.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
