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

President William Ruto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on Thursday, finalizing an agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military following the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. This decision effectively ends the recruitment of several Kenyans who had been illegally enlisted to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Ruto informed Putin that he had appointed a Defence Attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, who will work closely with the Russian Ministry of Defence to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who traveled to Russia for military purposes. The President also pledged to coordinate the safe return of affected Kenyans and provide compensation for those impacted by the recruitment halt.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the potential for deeper economic partnership between Kenya and Russia, highlighting their long-standing diplomatic ties. Ruto acknowledged the existing trade imbalance in favor of Russia but stressed the need to explore additional trade avenues, particularly for Kenyan exports of tea and flowers. He invited Russian investors to consider the National Infrastructure Fund as a commercially viable avenue for private sector participation in infrastructure development.

President Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation with Kenya, noting that Russia is a significant supplier of fertilizers to Kenya. He announced an increase in the quota of Kenyan students pursuing higher education in Russia, raising the number from 70 to 300 scholarships annually.

Putin also expressed support for enhancing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, recognizing its importance as a major United Nations presence in the Global South.

The bilateral meeting resulted in the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across key sectors, including economic cooperation, employment, transport, and diplomacy. These agreements aim to establish the Intergovernmental Russia-Kenya Commission on Economic Cooperation, facilitate cooperation in labor inspection and employment promotion, enhance transport sector collaboration, provide visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passport holders, and promote diplomatic training.

President Ruto expressed optimism that these agreements would unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, creating a win-win situation for both nations.