Nairobi Kenya (October 8, 2026) — The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kenya has announced 70 fully funded scholarships for Kenyan students seeking higher education opportunities in Russia, while expressing its readiness to consider increasing the allocation upon a request from the Government of Kenya.

The announcement was made by Dmitriy Charnetskiy, Counsellor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kenya, during a luncheon held to welcome home 30 Kenyan youths who recently participated in a seven-day international engagement in Russia. The initiative provided the young people with opportunities for educational exposure, cultural exchange, tourism, networking and engagement on issues affecting young people globally.

Speaking during the reception, Mr. Charnetskiy said the scholarship programme would strengthen access to Russian higher education and build on the longstanding educational ties between Kenya and Russia.

“This initiative provides Kenyans with an opportunity to access the high-quality education that Russia offers across various fields. Many doctors and engineers in Kenya received their training at Russian universities, including institutions in the former Soviet Union. We are committed to building on this legacy and creating more opportunities for the next generation,” he said.

Mr. Charnetskiy further revealed that the Embassy was in discussions with Kenya’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth on initiatives aimed at establishing an agreement on the mutual recognition of educational documents between the two countries.

Such an agreement, he noted, would help facilitate access to educational opportunities, ease the transition for Kenyan students studying in Russia and promote academic exchange programmes involving students, professors and teachers from both countries.

The announcement comes in the wake of an initiative that saw 30 Kenyan youths travel to Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, to participate in the International Youth Festival, a global gathering that brought together approximately 10,000 young people from more than 190 countries.

Held under the theme “Follow Your Dream—Together with Russia,” the festival provided a platform for young people to exchange ideas, build international networks and explore the role of youth in leadership, innovation, education and sustainable development.

The Kenyan delegation’s participation was facilitated through a collaborative effort involving the International Digital Platform (IDP), the International Humanitarian Corps (IHC) of Russia, the Russian Embassy in Kenya, TUUA Safaris and other partners.

During their seven-day engagement, the participants took part in forums, cultural exchanges, workshops and networking sessions with fellow young people from across the world. The programme was designed to broaden their perspectives, expose them to new ideas and equip them with insights that could contribute to Kenya’s social and economic development.

The delegation also had an opportunity to observe electoral processes in six different regions of Russia. The experience, participants said, gave them fresh perspectives on electoral administration and governance, prompting reflections on how lessons from international experiences could inform discussions on strengthening electoral processes in Kenya.

Speaking at the luncheon, Dominic David Mmazi, Country Director of IDP Advisory Solutions, Kenya, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with young people and strategic partners to expand access to international learning and development opportunities.

He emphasised that global exposure should go beyond travel, equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and networks needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country.

“International exposure opens doors to new ideas, partnerships and possibilities. Our commitment is to ensure that Kenyan youth can access these opportunities, learn from other countries and translate their experiences into practical solutions that support Kenya’s development,” said Mr. Mmazi.

Zalina Kochenova, Regional Representative of IDP, underscored the importance of ensuring that international initiatives deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes, particularly in education and technology.

“The true measure of global transformation is not technology itself, but the impact that opportunities create in people’s lives. Our goal is to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to learn, every teacher is equipped to teach effectively, and every young person can see a pathway to a better future,” she said.

She noted that initiatives connecting young people to international platforms can help bridge knowledge gaps, encourage innovation and foster collaboration across borders.

Lucy Kimanzi, Chief Executive Officer of TUUA Safaris, said the company played a role in identifying young Kenyans, particularly those working or studying in technology, law and digital marketing, to participate in the festival.

She described educational tourism as an emerging area of focus for the company, noting that international travel can be a powerful tool for learning, personal growth and professional development.

“At TUUA Safaris, we believe travel can be much more than visiting new destinations. It can be an opportunity to learn, discover new possibilities and develop a broader understanding of the world. Russia is just the beginning,” said Ms. Kimanzi.

She revealed that the company was also in discussions with partners in the United States to explore similar programmes that would give Kenyan youth access to international exposure and learning opportunities.

“We are currently in discussions with the United States on similar programmes aimed at exposing young people to new experiences, broadening their world view and supporting them on their journey of self-discovery. We want to create opportunities that help them grow both personally and professionally,” she added.

Parents who attended the reception expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing international exposure as an important source of hope, motivation and confidence for young people at a time when unemployment remains a major concern for many Kenyan families.

Humphrey Mwangi, one of the parents present, said the experience had helped participants recognise the possibilities available to them and strengthened their belief in their ability to make a difference.

“The programme provided the young people with tremendous exposure and an opportunity to discover what is possible beyond their immediate environment. Most importantly, it gave them hope and confidence that, when given the right opportunities, they can grow, create change and make a meaningful contribution to their communities and the country,” he said.

Parents noted that such initiatives could help young people develop the confidence, skills and global outlook needed to navigate an increasingly competitive world.

The returning participants described the experience as transformative, saying it had expanded their understanding of global opportunities, education and leadership.

They highlighted the value of interacting with peers from different countries, learning about different cultures and discovering educational and professional pathways available beyond Kenya.

For the participants, the experience was not simply an international trip but an opportunity to reflect on their ambitions, strengthen their leadership aspirations and identify ways to apply the knowledge gained to their future careers and communities.