Russia will offer 70 scholarships to Kenyan students next year as Moscow seeks to strengthen educational cooperation and expand its economic ties with Nairobi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the scholarships during a bilateral talk with President William Ruto in Russia, where the two leaders discussed areas of cooperation on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit.
Putin said Moscow was committed to supporting the training of Kenyan professionals by increasing opportunities for young people to study in Russian institutions.
“We help with the training of Kenyan personnel, and we are increasing the quota for young people who are studying in Russia. We are talking about civilian experts, and 70 scholarships will be provided for next year,” Putin said.
The announcement adds to efforts by the two countries to deepen cooperation in education, trade, agriculture and other sectors.
Putin said Russia was also interested in expanding trade and economic relations with Kenya, citing increased exports of Russian agricultural products to the country.
“We are interested in the further development of trade and economic cooperation with Kenya,” he said.
He singled out fertiliser exports, saying Russia was among the leading suppliers of agricultural inputs to Kenya and that the two countries needed to sustain the trend.
“The products of the Russian agro-industrial complex have increased to Kenya, and I would like to say that Russia is one of the top fertiliser exporters to Kenya,” Putin said.
He also cited figures showing that trade between Russia and Ethiopia had almost doubled between January and August 2026, describing it as a positive trend that should be maintained.
Although the figures related to Ethiopia, Putin used the development to underscore the potential for expanding Russia's economic engagement with African countries.
The Russian leader further highlighted the existing cultural and humanitarian relations between Moscow and Nairobi, saying both countries should continue strengthening cooperation in those areas.
On international affairs, Putin said Russia and Kenya shared positions on key global issues, including the need to strengthen the role of the United Nations and respect its Charter.
“We have common positions on the main issues of the international agenda, including strengthening the central role of the United Nations, the importance of respecting its Charter and the establishment of a multipolar world order,” he said.
Putin also welcomed Kenya's role in hosting the United Nations Office at Nairobi, describing it as the only UN headquarters located in a country of the Global South.
He said Russia supported the strengthening of Kenya's contribution to the work of the international organisation.
The Russian President also acknowledged Nairobi's position as a global centre for environmental protection, saying the status was important to preserve.
On his part, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to deepening economic cooperation between Kenya and Russia, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening our longstanding bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
"We commend President Putin for his support of our efforts to reform multilateral institutions and ensure that Africa has a stronger voice and a greater role in shaping its own destiny and the future of the world," he said.
He also thanked Putin for hosting a successful summit and for the warm hospitality extended to us by the Government and people of the Russian Federation.
The meeting comes as Kenya seeks to diversify its international partnerships and expand opportunities for trade, investment and skills development through engagement with other countries.
