- President William Ruto has travelled to Moscow for the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum
- Ruto is expected to pitch Kenyan tea, coffee, flowers and fresh produce to international markets while pursuing investment in manufacturing, energy, agriculture and infrastructure
- The trip comes days after Ruto returned from Zimbabwe, where he handed over the COMESA chairmanship to President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Harry Ivan Mboto is a Current Affairs and Politics Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Mboto has five years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2024
President William Ruto has departed for Russia days after returning from Zimbabwe, with his latest foreign trip focused on expanding Kenya’s export markets, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Source: Facebook
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto left for Moscow on Tuesday evening, October 27, to participate in the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, scheduled for October 28 to 30.
The president is expected to use the meetings to advance Kenya’s economic and strategic interests, particularly by securing new markets for locally produced goods and attracting investors to key sectors of the economy.
As the African Union champion for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ruto will seek greater access to international markets for Kenyan tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce and value-added products.
The government is also pursuing investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure, alongside partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology transfer.
"The forum will focus on Africa’s priorities, including reforms to global governance, stronger representation in international decision-making and equitable partnerships founded on mutual respect and sovereign equality," State House said.
According to Mohamed, the engagements will explore opportunities to equip young people with emerging skills, support businesses and strengthen Kenya’s digital economy. Discussions will also focus on securing affordable agricultural inputs and improving food security.
Ruto to pitch Kenya to Russian investors
During the Africa-Russia Business Roundtable, Ruto is expected to market Kenya as an investment destination and a gateway to wider African markets.
The government hopes to secure joint ventures and commercial partnerships that could strengthen local industries, create employment opportunities and increase the value of Kenyan exports.
The summit will also provide a platform for African leaders to discuss global governance reforms, peace and security, and the need for stronger African representation in international decision-making.
On the sidelines, Ruto is expected to engage other heads of state and government, international organisations, financial institutions and major corporations to mobilise investment and establish partnerships supporting Kenya’s economic transformation.
The trip comes four days after Ruto returned from Zimbabwe, where he handed over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) to President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the bloc’s 25th summit in Harare on Thursday, October 22.
Ruto arrived back in Kenya on Friday, October 23.
His Russia visit also comes amid concerns raised by families of Kenyans reportedly recruited to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The families have sought government intervention to establish the fate of missing relatives and secure assistance for those affected.
It remains unclear whether the issue will feature in Ruto’s formal discussions during the forum.
Source: TUKO.co.ke