President William Ruto has left the country for Moscow, Russia, for the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, with Kenya seeking expanded export markets, increased foreign investment and new job opportunities.
According to a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Ruto will use the forum to advance Kenya’s economic and strategic interests through trade partnerships, investment deals and cooperation in emerging technologies.
The President is expected to push for greater access to the Russian market for Kenyan agricultural products, including tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce and value-added goods.
Kenya will also seek investment in agro-processing, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure as the government looks to strengthen local industries, increase export earnings and create employment.
Ruto, who serves as the African Union champion for the African Continental Free Trade Area, is expected to advocate for stronger trade links that would improve market access for African goods and position Kenya as a gateway to the continent’s wider market.
The engagements will also explore partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology transfer, with a focus on equipping young people with emerging skills, supporting businesses and strengthening Kenya’s digital economy.
According to State House, discussions will further focus on securing affordable agricultural inputs and strengthening food security, key priorities for Kenya as it seeks to improve agricultural productivity and reduce production costs.
At the Africa–Russia Business Roundtable, Ruto will market Kenya as a competitive investment destination and encourage joint ventures and commercial partnerships aimed at expanding local industries, creating jobs and increasing the value of Kenyan exports.
Beyond trade and investment, the forum will provide an opportunity for African leaders to engage Russia on global peace, regional security challenges and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
African countries are also expected to advance calls for reforms in global governance, stronger representation in international decision-making and more equitable partnerships based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.
The forum will further focus on cooperation to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation, economic transformation and shared prosperity.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Ruto is expected to hold engagements with other heads of state and government, international organisations, financial institutions and major corporations to mobilise investment, open new markets and secure partnerships supporting Kenya’s economic transformation.
The visit comes as Kenya seeks to diversify its export destinations and attract foreign capital into productive sectors of the economy.
The government hopes the engagements will translate into concrete trade and investment opportunities for Kenyan businesses, while strengthening economic cooperation between Africa and Russia.
