Kenya: We Will Sign a Trade Agreement with Russia

The office of Kenyan President William Ruto announced today, Monday, that Kenya will sign a trade agreement with Russia aimed at enhancing cooperation between companies, following the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Nairobi. Russia is intensifying its efforts to strengthen economic ties with Africa to help offset the repercussions of its deteriorating relations with the West due to its invasion of Ukraine, and it plans to hold a Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July. The Kenyan presidency stated in a statement that the volume of bilateral trade with Russia remains low despite the existing potential, and that the agreement will provide companies with "the necessary boost." The presidency did not mention when the agreement will be finalized or provide details about its contents. Currently, Russia's sales to Kenya focus on grains and fertilizers.