Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has departed for Moscow, Russia, to seek expanded market access for Kenyan products and investment opportunities during the third Russia-Africa Summit.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, left Kenya on Monday ahead of the summit and the accompanying Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum scheduled for October 28 to 30.
“Kenya will pursue practical economic gains, including greater access to the Russian market for Kenyan tea, coffee, and horticultural produce; investment in priority sectors; and partnerships in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, science, and technology,” the statement read in part.
Mudavadi is expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the state of relations between the two countries and opportunities to deepen economic and political cooperation.
He will also meet counterparts from participating countries to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new areas of collaboration.
The government says the engagements will also cover education, skills development, tourism and technology transfer, with the aim of supporting job creation and value addition.
Kenya is seeking to diversify its export markets and attract investment, with Russia offering a potential destination for its agricultural products.
However, expanding trade will require Kenya to address the imbalance in its existing commercial relationship with Moscow.
Last week, Kenya exported goods worth $48.48 million (about Sh6.3 billion) to Russia in 2024, compared with imports worth $589.78 million (about Sh76.6 billion), leaving a merchandise trade deficit of approximately Sh70.2 billion.
Tea, coffee and spices accounted for the bulk of Kenyan exports to Russia.
The summit offers Kenya an opportunity to pursue stronger commercial ties, although the extent of any gains will depend on the agreements reached and their implementation.
In a statement, Mudavadi’s office said Kenya’s participation reflected the government’s commitment to diversifying international partnerships and strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness.
The Russia-Africa summit process began in Sochi in 2019, followed by a second meeting in St. Petersburg in 2023.
The third summit is expected to bring together African and Russian leaders and senior government officials to discuss political cooperation, security, economic development and other areas of mutual interest.
