Kenya's former ambassador to Moscow and Ukraine Paul Kurgat has termed Monday's visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as critical for Kenya.
Kurgat, who is now a lecturer at Moi University, says the unexpected trip reaffirms the role Kenya plays as an anchor for the region's peace and stability.
Kurgat said the visit gave Kenya an opportunity to stress the need to end the Russia-Ukraine war because of the influence the warring nations have on the world's food security.
''That[meeting] was timely for Kenya to express itself on what our ambassador to UN had emphasised during a meeting of the security council,'' Kurgat said.
Lavrov held talks with the Russian envoy at the State House on Monday.
Kenya's ambassador to the UN Security Council Martin Kimani in a viral speech in February 2022 said Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected diplomacy in favour of military force.
He warned Russia to respect its border with Ukraine, using Africa's colonial past to highlight the dangers of stoking the "embers of dead empires."
''Let me conclude, Mr President, by reaffirming Kenya's respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders,'' he said during his address.
Kurgat emphasised that Kenya's position has been that the Russia-Ukraine war should end because the black sea route is important for wheat and sunflower supply to Africa.
The continent also relies on Russia for the supply of building materials like steel, gas and oil.
''I think Kenya can have these two countries talking by listening to the two sides on what their problems are and also give positive advice,'' he told the Star in a phone interview.
The diplomat said the meeting was also critical in trying to find a lasting solution to the political crisis in Sudan where he said Russia has a lot of interest in mining and oil refinery.
''Russia has a lot of influence on both parties that are in the Sudan conflict and that gives Kenya an entry point for the resolution of the conflict in Sudan,'' he said.
Kurgat said Kenya might use the meeting to fully emphasise the need for peace and stability.
“Kenya is an anchor state in the region and will always invest in security and peace,'' he said.
He said that while Russia is trying to talk to allies about its problems with Ukraine the issues will go to the Security Council for evaluation.