President William Ruto has unveiled a new plan for Kenya after touring a high-tech smart city on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, where he explored a development model that could shape the country’s future approach to urban development and public service delivery.
Ruto identified housing, sustainable urban development, and artificial intelligence (AI) as key areas Kenya could learn from Russia after touring a major smart city project on the outskirts of Moscow.
In a statement shared on October 29, 2026, Ruto said the development offered valuable lessons for Kenya as the country explores innovative approaches to urban planning, housing and technology-driven public service delivery.
“The Smart City Development on the outskirts of Moscow, Russian Federation, spearheaded by Sberbank Group, the country’s largest financial conglomerate, offers valuable lessons for Kenya as we explore innovative approaches to urban development,” he said.
The President toured the 1,140-acre development spearheaded by Sberbank Group, Russia’s largest financial conglomerate. The project combines residential housing, commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, schools and environmental infrastructure within one integrated urban setting.
Ruto said the development showed how coordinated planning can support the creation of modern, efficient, and liveable communities.
Inside Russia’s 65,000-Home Smart City
The smart city project features 65,000 housing units alongside thousands of office spaces designed to accommodate residential and commercial activities.
Other facilities within the development include a hospital, schools and a waste management facility. The project also incorporates environmentally sustainable infrastructure as part of its wider urban development model.
The President highlighted the importance of combining housing with essential services and infrastructure, pointing to the development as an example of how integrated planning can contribute to modern urban communities.
“The housing development demonstrates how integrated planning can create modern, efficient and liveable urban communities.”
His visit focused on understanding the approaches used in the Russian project and identifying areas that could inform Kenya’s efforts to improve urban living and public service delivery.
Ruto Highlights Potential AI Partnership With Russia
Beyond housing and urban planning, Ruto said Sberbank Group’s readiness to partner with Kenya to harness artificial intelligence to transform healthcare and education encouraged him.
According to the President, technology offers opportunities to support public institutions as Kenya explores new approaches to delivering essential services.
“Was particularly encouraged by Sberbank Group’s readiness to partner with Kenya in harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare and education, improving service delivery and expanding access to quality services for our country,” he said.
The tour comes as the President continues engagements in Russia, where he has highlighted opportunities for cooperation in urban development and technology-based public services.
Ruto’s Key Engagements During Russia Visit
Ruto arrived in Moscow, Russia, on October 28, 2026, to attend the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum and strengthen bilateral relations.
During the visit, Ruto called for increased Russian investment in Kenya, highlighting opportunities in trade, energy, infrastructure, mining, transport and manufacturing. He said bilateral trade between the two countries totalled $380 million in 2025.
At the Russia–Kenya Business Roundtable, Ruto presented Kenya as a strategic gateway to East and Central Africa, citing its population of 55 million and 5.3 per cent economic growth in 2025.
Ruto also held talks with Wildberries CEO Robert Mirzoyan to explore potential investments in e-commerce and digital trade.
The President later attended a gala reception at the Grand Kremlin Palace, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside other African leaders.
He also took part in a plenary session at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, co-chaired by Putin and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union chairperson.
Ruto said Kenya and Russia could build on their historical relations by expanding economic and development cooperation, including opportunities in global markets, manufacturing, research and innovation.
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