University of Nairobi Launches Africa Centre for the Study of Russia to Deepen Strategic Research and Dialogue
The University of Nairobi has officially launched the Africa Centre for the Study of Russia (ACSR), marking a significant milestone in advancing Africa–Russia relations through research, policy dialogue, and academic exchange.
Held on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at the Chandaria Auditorium, Ubiversity of Nairobi Towers, the inauguration was themed “Bridging Continents: Advancing Africa–Russia Relations through Research and Dialogue.” The event brought together distinguished scholars, diplomats, government officials, faculty, and students in a strong show of intellectual and diplomatic collaboration.
A Hub for Scholarship and Strategic Engagement
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, linked the Centre’s establishment to Kenya’s broader foreign
policy priorities. He stressed the importance of knowledge partnerships in shaping global engagement and acknowledged the historic solidarity between Africa and Russia, particularly in education and technical training.
The Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, who
underscored the University’s strategic emphasis on global partnerships and knowledge diplomacy.
In his opening remarks, ACSR Founding Director Dr. Majid S. Hared described the Centre as a dynamic hub for research and dialogue that will strengthen mutual understanding between Africa and Russia.
Prof. Jack Odhiambo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, termed the launch as a milestone for collaborative research and academic growth. He emphasized that ACSR will enrich the University’s intellectual environment while cultivating a new generation of scholars equipped to contribute to diplomacy and international cooperation.
Prof. Patrick Maluki, Chair of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to scholarship and excellence, noting that the Centre will provide students with a platform for meaningful engagement on contemporary global issues.
The Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Vsevolod Tkachenko, highlighted Russia’s interest in deepening ties with Kenya and the African continent. He emphasized
academic and cultural exchange as key pillars of cooperation, expressing optimism that ACSR would serve as a bridge for collaboration in policy dialogue, research, and technological innovation.
The academic session featured leading scholars from Africa and Russia, reinforcing the Centre’s role as a platform for intellectual exchange.
Dr. Alexey Maslov of Moscow State University discussed Russia’s evolving engagement with Africa, while Dr. Vyacheslav Sutyrin of Moscow State Institute of International Relations
emphasized institutional collaboration in higher education.
Prof. Peter Kagwanja of the University of Nairobi delivered a compelling lecture titled “Africa–Russia Relations from an African Perspective: Opportunities, Risks and Strategic
Balance.” He compared the new Centre to the historic Lumumba Institute, observing that institutional grounding within a university of UoN’s stature ensures sustainability and long-term relevance.
Prof. Nikolai Golovko of HSE University presented on digitalization as a new frontier for Russia–Africa collaboration and announced opportunities for Russian language learning to
deepen academic engagement. Closing reflections from Ms. Ekaterina Akopyan of the Council of Young Diplomats (Russian MFA) highlighted youth diplomacy and emerging leadership.
Students played an active role in organizing and participating in the event, demonstrating that the Centre is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a living academic resource.
