President William Ruto of Kenya has urged Russian investors to increase their investments in the country, highlighting Kenya's economic growth, sizeable domestic market, and strategic location as a gateway to East and Central Africa. Speaking at the Russia-Kenya Business Roundtable Forum in Moscow, Ruto emphasized that Kenya's economic fundamentals and expanding infrastructure offer opportunities for Russian businesses seeking to expand their presence across the continent. With a population of 55 million and a GDP of $136 billion, Kenya provides a substantial domestic market.
Ruto is in Russia to attend the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, where he aims to deepen bilateral economic ties and strengthen cooperation in peace and security. The President noted that bilateral trade between Kenya and Russia stood at $380 million in 2025, with considerable room for expansion. Kenya exported goods worth $52 million to Russia, mainly tea, coffee, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, while imports from Russia reached approximately $330 million, including wheat, fertilizers, iron, and steel products.
The President stated that Russian investment in Kenya, estimated at $22 million, remains below its potential. He urged Russian businesses to explore opportunities in mining and mineral beneficiation, transport, heavy engineering, manufacturing, energy, and fertilizer production. Ruto emphasized that investments in these sectors would support Kenya's industrialization priorities by strengthening domestic production, creating jobs, and increasing the value derived from locally available resources.
Ruto also called for partnerships based on sovereign equality and local value addition, warning against economic arrangements that leave African countries exporting raw materials without substantial processing. He expressed Kenya's interest in expanding its labor mobility program to Russia, which has enabled 700,000 Kenyans to secure employment overseas. Greater cooperation could open up additional opportunities for Kenyan workers.
The President assured prospective investors that Kenya has a strong legal framework for protecting investments and remains committed to creating a conducive business environment. On the sidelines of the forum, Ruto held talks with Wildberries Chief Executive Officer Robert Mirzoyan, focusing on investment opportunities, particularly in online trading.
Ruto and other African leaders were later hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Gostiny Dvor Exhibition Centre for an exhibition showcasing solutions in key economic sectors. The Kenyan delegation includes First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, and Kenya's Ambassador to Russia Peter Mathuki, among other officials.
Key areas of focus for Ruto's engagement with Russian investors include boosting trade, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and exploring investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure.
Key points
- Ruto urges Russian investors to explore opportunities in Kenya's mining, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
- Kenya seeks to expand labor mobility program to Russia.
- Ruto aims to deepen bilateral economic ties and strengthen cooperation in peace and security with Russia.
