Ruto Secures Compensation Deal for Kenyans Recruited Into Russian Military
President William Ruto has announced plans to secure compensation for Kenyans recruited into the Russian military following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
In a statement on Friday, October 30, Ruto revealed that Kenya has appointed a Defence Attaché in Moscow to work with Russia’s Ministry of Defence to process compensation claims and facilitate the safe return of affected Kenyans.
“Additionally, the Defence Attaché will work with the Russian Ministry of Defence to process compensation for Kenyans and to assist in their safe return home,” Ruto stated.
Russia Stops Recruiting Kenyans
The President made the announcement after meeting Putin at the Kremlin following the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit, where the two leaders discussed the fate of Kenyans enlisted in Russia’s military.
Ruto also confirmed that Russia had agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan nationals into its armed forces after categorising Kenya as a non-source country for military recruitment.
“Thanked President Putin for confirming that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian military because Kenya has been categorised as a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military,” Ruto stated.
Scholarships and Labour Agreement
Apart from the military recruitment issue, Ruto and Putin discussed increasing Russian scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300 and negotiating a bilateral labour agreement to allow Kenyans to live and work in Russia.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation in transport, employment and diplomatic training, while Putin committed to supporting the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
Putin Invited to Kenya
Meanwhile, Ruto also invited Putin to visit Kenya, a trip that would mark his first official visit to the country and his first to Africa since 2018, although it remains unclear whether the Russian leader accepted the invitation.
What This Means for Affected Families
The appointment of a Defence Attaché and the agreement to process compensation marks a significant step for Kenyan families who have been seeking answers about relatives recruited into the Russian military. The categorisation of Kenya as a non-source country for recruitment is expected to prevent further enlistment of Kenyan nationals.