Ruto, Putin agree to stop recruitment of Kenyans into Russian military

Kenya and Russia have agreed to end the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian armed forces following talks between President William Ruto and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The agreement, reached during a meeting at the Kremlin on Thursday, will see Kenya designated a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military, effectively shutting down channels through which Kenyans have been enlisted to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The deal comes amid concerns over the recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military, with several citizens reportedly joining the conflict.

“Held talks with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin, Moscow, after the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit,” Ruto said in a subsequent statement.

“Thanked President Putin for confirming that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian military because Kenya has been categorised a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military.”

President Ruto further noted that he has appointed a Defence Attache at the Kenya Embassy in Moscow, who will liaise with the Russian Ministry of Defence in processing the return of Kenyans who were in Russia for military purposes.

He added that the Defence Attache will work with the Russian Ministry of Defence to process compensation for Kenyans and to assist in their safe return home.

During the talks, Ruto also presented Kenya's Ksh.5 trillion economic transformation agenda, urging Moscow to increase investments in the country's priority development sectors.

“We also discussed scholarships in various fields for Kenyan students, including health, artificial intelligence, technology, aviation and cyber security, and to increase the number from the current 70 to 300,” said Ruto in the statement.

“We also agreed that our two governments would negotiate a bilateral labour agreement that would allow Kenyans to live and work in Russia. In recognition of the deepening ties between our two countries, I invited President Putin to visit Kenya.”

The two countries further agreed to establish a joint commission to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordinate the implementation of agreements between the governments.

The commission will be co-chaired by representatives of both countries, with Russia represented by a federal minister or deputy minister.

Kenya's delegation will be led by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.