Russia has opened a new wheat export route to Kenya, highlighted by the departure of a 44,000-tonne shipment from the Port of Vysotsk in mid-January, as competition over grain supplies increasingly shapes Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
- •The move comes amid tight global food markets and continued disruptions linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, among other escalating conflicts across the globe.
- •In the 2020/2021 marketing year, Russia accounted for about 31% of Kenya’s wheat imports, compared with 4.2% from Ukraine.
- •After 2023, Russia’s share rose sharply to around 67% by value, while Ukraine supplied between 5 and 6%.
"Kenya became the 18th country for grain product exports from our branch in 2025, including 9 African countries," Anita Milekhina, Director of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Federal Center for the Assessment of Safety and Quality of Agricultural Products said, according to local media.
Kenya is heavily dependent on imported wheat, with domestic production meeting less than 20% of national demand. Wheat is a critical input for the country’s milling and baking industries, leaving the economy exposed to global supply shocks and price volatility.
Before the onset of hostilities in February 2022, Russia and Ukraine together accounted for approximately 14% of global wheat production and nearly 29% of global wheat exports.
The new export route exhibits how grain has become a strategic tool in Africa. Moscow has positioned itself as a dependable supplier of grain and fertilizer to the Global South, arguing that continued exports demonstrate resilience despite sanctions.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has pursued alternative export corridors and food assistance initiatives after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in 2023. Through its “Grain from Ukraine” programme, Kyiv has facilitated shipments to food-insecure countries and accused Moscow of weaponizing food supplies, claims Russia denies.
For Kenya, the continued inflow of Russian wheat reflects a pragmatic policy approach focused on securing essential commodities rather than geopolitical alignment. President William Ruto has emphasized diversifying partnerships while pushing for higher domestic food production through fertilizer subsidies and irrigation.
As global rivalries increasingly intersect with food systems, Kenya’s wheat imports illustrate how food security considerations are shaping trade and foreign policy choices in an uncertain environment.
