Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Vladimir Putin form Russia-Kenya business council during Sochi meet

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Russia counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to establish the Russia-Kenya business council.

President Kenyatta who arrived in Russia for the first ever Africa-Russia Summit in Sochi held talks with President Putin and his delegations on Thursday evening.

"During the bilateral talks, the two leaders underscored the need for the business council saying it will provide a framework within which Kenya and Russia will pursue partnerships in trade, investment and development," a brief form State House read in part.

Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Vladimir Putin form Russia-Kenya business council during Sochi meet Pulse Live Kenya

President Kenyatta is said to have advocated for a well-regulated trade relationship between Kenya and the host nation.

Uhuru noted that currently the relations between Kenya and Russia favour the latter state leaving a $2.3 billion deficit with the East African nation. The new body will be charged with creating the regulated framework for the bilateral trade agreements.

"To enhance the shared development and modernization agenda of our two countries, I consider it important to deepen people-to-people contact and our cooperation in security and defence, trade and investment, tourism, energy, culture, science and technology," President Kenyatta said.

Uhuru invites Russian investors to Kenya

The President further invited Russian investors to exploit opportunities in Kenya especially in helicopter assembly, construction of affordable houses, tourist charter flight services and space technology.

"Russia played an unforgettable and highly valued role in Africa’s struggle for liberation and independence.

“Africa’s aspiration for freedom and liberty is enriched by the relationship with Russia. African heroes including Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta–drew from the vision of the Soviet Union," Uhuru stated.