President William Ruto has called on Russian companies to expand their investments in Kenya, saying stronger economic cooperation could benefit both countries.
Speaking during a Kenya-Russia business roundtable in Moscow, Ruto said Kenya is seeking partnerships built around investment, industrial growth and shared economic gains.
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Ruto targets more Russian investment
The President said Kenya wants to attract Russian capital and technical expertise in sectors that support the country’s industrialization agenda.
He identified energy, mining, fertilizer production, engineering, transport and manufacturing as areas with strong potential for cooperation.
Ruto also encouraged Russian companies to establish production facilities in Kenya instead of focusing only on trade.
He said local manufacturing and partnerships with Kenyan firms could create jobs while allowing companies to access wider African and international markets.
Kenya seeks more value from its resources
Ruto said African economies have historically exported raw materials while importing higher-value manufactured products.
He argued that this model has limited industrial development and reduced the economic benefits retained within the continent.
Kenya, he said, wants future partnerships to support local processing, agricultural value addition and mineral beneficiation.
The government is also seeking relationships based on what Ruto described as mutual benefit rather than economic dependency.
Kenya-Russia trade remains uneven
Trade between Kenya and Russia was valued at about $380 million in 2025.
Kenya exported goods worth approximately $52 million, including tea, coffee, flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Imports from Russia were worth about $330 million and included wheat, fertilizers, iron and steel products.
Russian investment in Kenya was estimated at about $22 million.
Ruto said the figures show there is room to expand economic ties between the two countries.
He added that future cooperation should be measured by tangible results such as completed projects, new industries and jobs created.
