Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens into the Russian military amid growing concerns over the involvement of Africans in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Ruto disclosed this after meeting with Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on Friday, where both leaders discussed bilateral relations and measures to protect Kenyans recruited to fight for Russian forces.
According to the Kenyan president, Putin confirmed that Kenya would no longer be considered a source country for military recruitment by Russia.
Ruto described the agreement as an important step towards addressing concerns surrounding the recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the Russian armed forces.
He also announced the appointment of a defence attaché to Kenya’s Embassy in Moscow. The official will work directly with the Russian Defence Ministry to coordinate the safe return of Kenyans recruited for military operations.
The defence attaché will also facilitate arrangements for the repatriation and compensation of affected Kenyan citizens.
Growing Concerns Over African Recruits
The development comes amid increasing concerns over reports that young Africans have been recruited to fight alongside Russian troops in the war against Ukraine.
Some reports have alleged that African nationals were deceived into joining the Russian military through promises of employment and other opportunities.
Ukraine disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from approximately 36 African countries were fighting alongside Russian forces, with some allegedly recruited under misleading circumstances.
However, Russian authorities have denied illegally recruiting African citizens to participate in the conflict.
Russia And Kenya Plan Labour Agreement
During the meeting, Ruto and Putin also agreed to begin negotiations on a labour agreement that would allow Kenyan citizens to legally live and work in Russia.
The proposed agreement is expected to provide a formal framework for employment opportunities and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders also discussed expanding educational opportunities for Kenyan students in Russia.
Ruto said Putin agreed to increase the number of Russian government scholarships available to Kenyan students from 70 to 300.
The scholarships will cover important fields, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, aviation, technology and cybersecurity.
Putin Promises Support For UN Office In Nairobi
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ruto said the Russian president pledged support for strengthening the facility, which hosts the United Nations’ only headquarters in the developing world.
Putin, on his part, expressed Russia’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with Kenya.
According to a statement from the Kremlin, the Russian president disclosed that trade between both countries had nearly doubled between January and August this year.
He also noted that exports of Russian agricultural products to Kenya had increased, describing the development as a positive sign for bilateral economic relations.
Five Cooperation Agreements Signed
During the diplomatic engagement, Kenya and Russia signed five cooperation instruments covering economic relations, employment promotion, labour inspection, transportation, diplomatic training and visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
The agreements also provide for the establishment of an intergovernmental commission to coordinate economic cooperation and monitor areas of mutual interest.
Ruto further extended an invitation to Putin to visit Kenya as both countries work towards strengthening their diplomatic and economic partnerships.
The meeting followed the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, where Russian officials engaged African leaders on opportunities to expand political, economic and strategic cooperation across the continent.
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