Kenya seeks greater access to Russian commodities as Ruto backs peace efforts

Kenya is seeking to expand access to Russian commodities and unlock new trade and logistics opportunities as President William Ruto welcomed developments towards resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Speaking at the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow, Ruto said an end to the conflict would present an opportunity to improve the movement of commodities from Russia to Africa.

This he added, would open new avenues for trade and strengthening economic ties between Nairobi and Moscow.

The President also said Kenya supported international relations anchored on sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes.

“The principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes must apply consistently to every nation,” Ruto said.

“Kenya believes that international relations must be guided not by the power of nations, but by the quality of their sovereignty; not by competing spheres of influence, but by mutual respect; and not by the pursuit of narrow advantage, but by cooperation that advances our common humanity.”

He added that developments towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict could unlock significant potential in logistics, particularly access to commodities from Russia to the African market.

His remarks come as Kenya seeks to strengthen commercial relations with Russia, one of its important suppliers of wheat and fertilisers, while expanding markets for its agricultural exports.

The President’s inaugural visit to Moscow has included engagements with Russian business leaders, a business roundtable and discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

At the Russia-Kenya Business Roundtable on Wednesday, Ruto invited Russian companies to invest in Kenya, identifying energy, mining, fertiliser production, engineering, transport and manufacturing as areas with potential for expanded cooperation.

He presented Kenya as an investment destination and a gateway to the wider African market, arguing that Russian capital and technology could complement the country’s industrialisation ambitions.

The President also told investors that Kenya was mobilising $40 billion (Sh5.2 trillion) over the next decade for infrastructure development, creating opportunities for partnerships in energy, transport, housing and manufacturing.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of an imbalance in bilateral trade that Nairobi wants to address.

According to figures presented by Ruto, trade between Kenya and Russia stood at about $380 million in 2025, with Kenya exporting goods worth $52 million, mainly tea, coffee, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Imports from Russia amounted to $330 million, comprising wheat, fertilisers, iron and steel products.

Russian investment in Kenya was estimated at $22 million, a figure the President said demonstrated the untapped potential for deeper economic engagement.

“These figures challenge us to rethink the nature of our partnership,” he said, urging Russian enterprises to establish production facilities and develop industrial partnerships with Kenyan firms.

Ruto also called for investments that would enable Kenya to process more agricultural produce, manufacture goods and add value to its mineral resources instead of relying on the export of raw materials.

“Invest in Kenya, manufacture in Kenya, and serve Africa and the world from Kenya,” he told the investors.

The President’s engagements in Moscow also included talks with Robert Mirzoyan, chief executive of Russian online retailer Wildberries, on potential investment opportunities, particularly in online trading.

The business discussions formed part of a broader effort to attract Russian companies into Kenya’s economy and establish partnerships in sectors where Moscow has technical and industrial expertise.

His engagement with Putin at the summit comes as Kenya seeks to broaden its diplomatic and economic relationships with major global powers.

Kenya’s interest in Russian commodities is particularly significant given its dependence on imported wheat and fertilisers. Russia is among the country’s major suppliers of wheat, making developments affecting trade and shipping routes important to food security and the cost of agricultural production.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has, however, disrupted global grain markets and contributed to supply uncertainties, exposing the vulnerability of countries dependent on imported food commodities.

Kenya is also seeking to address logistical barriers that have limited direct trade with Russia.

Kenyan tea, for instance, reaches Russian consumers partly through intermediary markets, while the absence of direct air connections has added to transportation costs.

Beyond the immediate commercial interests, Ruto used his address to push for a broader economic partnership under the Russia-Africa Action Plan 2027-29.

He said the plan should translate political commitments into investments, industries, research partnerships and opportunities that improve people’s lives.

He argued that Africa should move beyond being a supplier of raw materials and a beneficiary of international cooperation to becoming an active participant in global production, technology and decision-making.

The President said international relations should be guided by mutual respect rather than competing spheres of influence, adding that Africa wanted to participate meaningfully in shaping decisions affecting the global economy.

“The success of this summit must ultimately be measured by what we deliver,” he said.