Ruto and Putin discuss expanding Kenya-Russia economic ties
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tuko
Kenyan President William Ruto and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between their countries. Kenya is seeking new markets for its agricultural exports and partnerships in industry, energy, infrastructure and technology, according to Tuko.
Kenyan President William Ruto and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed expanding trade and investment between Kenya and Russia on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow. After the meeting, Ruto said the two countries wanted to deepen their economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
The two leaders signed five memorandums of understanding, including one on economic cooperation. Ruto also outlined investment opportunities in Kenya in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure and technology, as the country seeks new markets for its agricultural exports.
The Kenyan president cited coffee, tea and flowers among the products exported to Russia, directly or through other trade routes. He also praised Vladimir Putin’s support for reform of multilateral institutions and called for a stronger African voice in global decision-making.
The meeting forms part of William Ruto’s effort to expand Kenyan markets at the Russia-Africa forum, announced on 27 October 2026. Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto also travelled to Moscow, where she took part in a meeting mentioned on 29 October 2026 in an article about her gesture in Moscow.
