Russia has donated Ksh118 million (USD 1 million) channelled towards building Kenya's health sector's capacity to respond to the aftermath of the pandemic.
The donation came as a surprise as the country is in the middle of a war with its neighbour, Ukraine, a move that attracted sanctions against its administration.
Russia partnered with the Ministry of Health under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Kisumu, Busia and Migori counties will benefit from the programme funded by Russia.
"Thanks to this initiative, the medical institutions of the three counties received a batch of medical supplies, a total of 89,500 items. A construction of a new, modern kitchen facility is underway in the hospital of Kisumu, which was built with the support of the Soviet Union."
"More than 200 girls and young women living in these counties and employed in the field of small business are undergoing six months of computer literacy courses," a statement by the Russian embassy in Kenya read in part.
While presiding over the project's opening, Vladimir Lenev, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Nairobi, explained that the fund will bolster Kenya's health sector.
"The implementation of this project will contribute to Kenya's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Lenev stated.
Russia, under President Vladimir Putin'invaded the Ukrainian on February 24.
Sanctions imposed on Russia's economy has affected its efforts to support development projects in the country and abroad.
Despite sanctions, Russia has continued deepening its diplomatic relationships with other countries.
On Tuesday, July 26, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni announced that his government would continue trading with Russia despite the sanctions.
Museveni made the remarks at a joint press briefing with visiting Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, at State House in Entebbe.
"We want to trade with Russia. We want to trade with all countries of the world. We don't believe in being enemies of somebodies enemy," Museveni stated.
