Ruto Reaffirms Ukraine Ties as Envoy Exits
By Chemtai Kirui, NAIROBI,
President William Samoei Arap Ruto has reaffirmed the nation’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and peaceful dialogue as he bid farewell to outgoing Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Pravednyk at State House, Nairobi.
Ruto said that the country continues to back diplomacy over conflict, citing the strain that war in Ukraine has placed on global supply chains and access to key imports.
“We strongly believe in the UN Charter, especially national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Dialogue, not war, is the path to peace,” Ruto said on Tuesday, after receiving a goodwill message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Kenya and Ukraine have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 30 years, with trade spanning cereals, fertilizers, tea, coffee, flowers, and vegetables.
But the war has disrupted supply chains.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows imports from Ukraine and Russia surged to nearly KSh 51 billion in the first half of 2023, almost four times higher than the same period in 2022.
Pravednyk’s departure comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilise trade and deepen cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
“Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Ukraine stretch back more than 30 years,” Ruto said, adding that the government remains committed to a partnership built on mutual respect and sustained economic cooperation.
