Ruto and Putin discussed Kenyan recruits in Russia’s military during talks at the Kremlin.
Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Moscow will work with Russian officials on compensation claims and help affected Kenyans return home.
President William Ruto has announced plans to secure compensation for Kenyan military recruits following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kenya has appointed a Defence Attaché in Moscow to help process claims and support their safe return.
In a statement on Friday, October 30, Ruto said the attaché would work with Russia’s Ministry of Defence. The announcement followed his meeting with Putin at the Kremlin after the Russia-Africa Summit.
Ruto also said Russia had agreed to stop enlisting Kenyans after classifying Kenya as a non-source country for military recruitment.
Compensation plans for Kenyan military recruits
The compensation initiative follows concerns about Kenyans joining Russian forces in the war against Ukraine. Dozens have reportedly died, while others remain unaccounted for.
An investigation by Journalists for Justice identified at least 76 Kenyans killed while fighting for Russia. It also documented 841 Kenyan nationals recruited between October 2022 and June 2026.
Across Africa, the investigation recorded at least 3,066 recruits from 40 countries, with 502 confirmed deaths by June 2026. Kenya had the highest number of identified recruits.
According to the investigation, some recruits initially received promises of civilian jobs in security and logistics. However, they faced requirements to sign military contracts after arriving in Russia.
The National Intelligence Service had earlier told Parliament that recruitment figures exceeded 1,000 Kenyans. Ruto’s announcement sets out a role for the Defence Attaché in handling claims and helping affected nationals return home.
Scholarships and labour agreement also discussed
Beyond military recruitment, Ruto and Putin discussed increasing Russian scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300. They also considered negotiating a bilateral labour agreement to allow Kenyans to live and work in Russia.
The proposed agreement formed part of wider discussions on employment between the two countries. Transport cooperation and diplomatic training also featured in the leaders’ talks at the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Putin committed to supporting the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi. Ruto also invited the Russian president to visit Kenya.
Such a trip would mark Putin’s first official visit to Kenya and his first visit to Africa since 2018. The invitation followed talks covering both the welfare of Kenyan nationals and broader bilateral cooperation.
