Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that Russia has agreed to stop enlisting Kenyans into its military. This development comes after Ruto's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, following the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit. According to Ruto, Kenya has been categorized as a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military. This move aims to prevent further enlistment of Kenyans into the Russian military.
Ruto's announcement also included the appointment of a defence attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow. The attaché will coordinate the return of Kenyans who traveled to Russia for military purposes. The official will work closely with Russia's Ministry of Defence to process their return, provide compensation, and assist them in getting home safely. This decision was made to address growing concerns over Kenyans caught up in Russia's war against Ukraine.
The Kenyan government has been facing pressure to establish the whereabouts of nationals who traveled to Russia and became involved in military operations. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi previously reported that 354 Kenyan nationals were connected to the conflict. This number includes those on the front lines, people reported killed or missing, those hospitalized, and those who had returned home. Mudavadi also stated that 62 Kenyans had been repatriated at the time.
In March 2023, Mudavadi announced an agreement with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. The agreement stated that Kenyans would no longer be enlisted through Russia's Ministry of Defence. The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow had reported no additional enlistments since the measure took effect. This development indicates progress in the government's efforts to protect its nationals.
Ruto and Putin also discussed expanding cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, including education and employment. The two leaders agreed to increase the number of scholarships available to Kenyan students from 70 to 300. These scholarships will cover fields such as health, artificial intelligence, technology, aviation, and cyber security. This move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and provide opportunities for Kenyan students.
The two leaders further agreed to support the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi. Ruto described the office as the only UN headquarters in the developing world. They also agreed to negotiate a bilateral labour agreement, allowing Kenyans to live and work in Russia. Ruto invited Putin to visit Kenya, citing the deepening ties between the two countries.
During the Russia-Africa Summit, Kenya and Russia signed five instruments to strengthen bilateral relations. These agreements include the establishment of the Intergovernmental Russia-Kenya Commission on Economic Cooperation and cooperation in labour inspection and employment promotion. Other agreements cover cooperation between the two countries' transport ministries, visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports, and collaboration in diplomatic training.
Key points
- Russia has agreed to stop enlisting Kenyans into its military.
- Kenya and Russia have agreed to increase scholarships for Kenyan students to 300.
- The two countries have signed agreements to strengthen bilateral relations in various sectors.
