Meeting between the Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya
On April 9, 2025, the Director of the Institute for African Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IAS RAS), member of the Presidium of the RAS, Corresponding Member of the RAS, Doctor of Economics, and Professor Irina O. Abramova hosted His Excellency Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation, at the Institute.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of key issues related to the development of Russian-Kenyan cooperation. Special attention was given to scientific collaboration: Ambassador Mathuki expressed strong interest in expanding academic partnerships between Russia and Kenya. This includes increasing the number of student exchanges and providing Kenyan researchers with more opportunities to publish their work in Russian academic journals. Professor Abramova, in turn, emphasized that Kenyan scholars are welcome to contribute to the “Scientific Notes of the Institute for African Studies”, which is published in English as well.
The Director of IAS RAS once again stressed that science should serve as the “face” of Russia in Africa.
The meeting also featured a proposal to strengthen ties between Russia and Kenya by establishing partnerships between the IAS RAS and leading Kenyan universities.
“Russia and Africa are united by ideas, perspectives, and aspirations. The continent can be a key partner for Russia — not in some abstract future, but right now. We must seize this opportunity”, stated Professor Abramova.
Her ideas were fully supported by the Ambassador: “We need to build this cooperation step by step. I believe that doing something on a smaller scale is better than doing nothing at all. The institutional collaboration we have discussed today is an excellent starting point.”
In addition, Professor Abramova introduced the “Clean Water” project, in which the IAS RAS plays an active role. As part of this initiative, Russian scientists are developing innovative water purification technologies that may be of particular benefit to African countries. The Ambassador expressed strong interest in the project and proposed conducting pilot tests of the available technologies in Kenya.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, Ambassador Mathuki praised Professor Abramova for her outstanding contributions as Director of the Institute for African Studies and expressed keen interest in undertaking further academic research, this time under the mentorship of IAS RAS professors. Both parties agreed to continue their productive engagement in the discussed areas.
