Putin's Ksh 102Million Christmas Gift to Kenya

The Government of Russia on December 3, had donated food to Kenya worth Ksh100 million.

According to The Interpress Service News Agency, the government of Russia committed to fulfilling its promise through the United Nation's World Food Programme.

Further, the World Food Programme was tasked to coordinate with the Kenyan authorities for the distribution of food supplies to reach families most in need of assistance.

President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at Sochi, Russia for the Russia-Africa summit on October 24

“This support is an expression of solidarity of the Russian people with the people of Kenya. 

“It will contribute to the achievement by Kenya of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Government of Kenya’s Big Four Agenda in food security,” remarked the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev.

The ambassador further termed the act as a way of reflecting on the spirit of the 2019 Russia-Africa Summit.

Foreign Affairs PS Ambassador Macharia Kamau lauded the good gesture, indicating a better relationship between the two countries.

“Kenya welcomes the cooperation and support of the Russian Federation. And particularly that this support and cooperation is in line with the Big Four priorities of the president targeting food security.

“This is especially welcome given that it came so soon after the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, which President Kenyatta attended,” remarked Macharia.

Dmitry Maksimychev, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kenya (Left) and Ambassador Macharia Kamau on January 21

“I would like to deeply appreciate the Government of Russia for this support to the people of Kenya through the United Nations World Food Programme. We stand with the people of Kenya and remain committed to relieving those suffering from hunger,” remarked UN Resident Coordinator to Kenya Siddharth Chatterjee.

On October 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Uhuru Kenyatta at Moscow to increase trade between the two countries, Russia deeming Kenya as a strategic bilateral partner in the East African trading bloc.

According to Business Daily, Kenya has been eyeing deals across various sectors in Russia, including medicine, blue economy, aeronautical and space engineering.

Kenya purchases a significant amount of Russian arms and has been exploring its market for tea.