Ruto To Pursue AI Partnerships, Youth Skills Development In Russia

By Our Correspondent

Kenya is seeking international partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology transfer as President William Ruto heads to Moscow for talks expected to cover economic cooperation, investment and skills development.

The engagements at the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum will focus on leveraging technology to equip young people with emerging skills, support businesses and strengthen Kenya’s digital economy.

According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Ruto will pursue partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and technology transfer as part of Kenya’s broader economic and strategic agenda during the visit.

The technology agenda is expected to complement Kenya’s efforts to attract investment into key sectors, including manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and infrastructure, as the country seeks partnerships that can strengthen domestic industries and create employment opportunities.

“We will also explore partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital innovation and technology transfer to equip young people with emerging skills, support businesses and strengthen Kenya’s digital economy,” Hussein said.

Beyond technology, the President will use the forum to seek expanded markets for its agricultural exports, including tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce and value-added products.

Ruto, who serves as the African Union champion on the African Continental Free Trade Area, is expected to advocate greater market access for African products while promoting commercial partnerships that can increase the value of Kenyan exports.

The President will also participate in the Africa-Russia Business Roundtable, where he is expected to position Kenya as a competitive investment destination and a gateway to African markets.

The engagements will seek to promote joint ventures and commercial partnerships aimed at strengthening local industries, creating jobs and expanding trade. However, the State House statement did not identify specific technology companies or detail any agreements expected to be signed during the visit.

The President also intends to pursue cooperation in agriculture, particularly efforts to secure affordable agricultural inputs and strengthen food security.

He is further expected to hold discussions with heads of state and government, international organizations, financial institutions and major corporations on the sidelines of the forum to mobilize investment, unlock new markets and secure partnerships to support Kenya’s economic transformation.

“On the sidelines, President Ruto will engage Heads of State and Government, international organizations, financial institutions and major corporations to mobilize investment, unlock new markets and secure partnerships that support Kenya’s economic transformation,” the statement said.

The forum will also address broader African priorities, including reforms to global governance, stronger representation in international decision-making and partnerships based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.

The President has previously emphasized the need for African leaders to promote cooperation that advances industrialization, economic transformation and shared prosperity, while addressing regional security challenges, promoting peaceful conflict resolution and strengthening regional stability.