Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has departed for Moscow, Russian Federation, for bilateral talks aimed at deepening Kenya–Russia relations across key sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, energy, and labour mobility.
The two-day visit will see Mudavadi engage top Russian government officials, give a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and pursue measures to safeguard the welfare of Kenyans living, studying, and working in Russia.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary on Sunday, the visit also seeks to address the situation surrounding Kenyans who may have been voluntarily or involuntarily drafted into the Russian military.
Mudavadi will engage directly with Russian authorities to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment.
“The engagement is focused on a broad coordinated government action to protect Kenyans abroad, by ensuring that they work in a safe working environment and live dignified lives away from home,” the statement added.
Kenya acknowledges Russia’s support in advancing education through scholarships and in strengthening agricultural productivity through fertilizer assistance.
The Prime CS highlighted the potential for expanding trade with Russia, noting, “There exists a great potential for the export of Kenyan coffee, tea, and floriculture to the Russian market, especially at a time of Middle East turbulence and beyond.”
During the visit, Mudavadi will hold bilateral meetings with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Education, and Minister of Labour, as well as other top officials. These discussions are expected to establish a clear and transparent framework to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyan nationals in Russia.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary’s mission will also push for the safe repatriation of Kenyans affected by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, ensuring that citizens facing potential risks abroad can return home safely.
The visit highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and social ties with Russia while safeguarding the interests of Kenyans living and working overseas.
