President William Ruto on Monday met Belarus Head of State Aleksandr Lukashenko at State House, Nairobi months after the two nations signed a controversial Ksh31 billion tractor deal.
The deal which was to run for 18 months was announced in March despite Belarus being sanctioned by most of Kenya's allies in the West.
At the time, Kenya was also tasked with explaining how the struggling Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) would be able to finance such a deal.
During the State House meeting, Ruto remarked that Kenya would push forward with its collaboration with Belarus.
“Immense opportunities exist between Kenya and Belarus that must be exploited for the prosperity of the two countries. Kenya is particularly keen on harnessing the Eastern European country’s advanced technology in agriculture to boost productivity,” a statement from State House read in part.
Ruto further informed the nation that the two countries had agreed to broaden their ties on renewable energy and trade.
Additionally, Kenya and Belarus will explore areas of partnership in the investment and education sectors.
The President did not disclose if Belarus had delivered the tractors as earlier promised.
Apart from tractors, the Kenyan Government through the Ministry of Agriculture had also ordered high-speed propelled forage harvesters, centre pivots and tipping lorries.
“The government institutions that will benefit from the deal include the Kenya Prison Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, and the Agricultural Development Corporation,” a report from the government stated.
Belarus due to its support of Russia has been sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
This drove fears in Kenya as the three foreign powers are crucial Kenyan allies often helping Kenya in key areas such as aid provision.
