By Desmond Nleya
DUBAI- Kenya is seeking compensation for its citizens recruited into the Russian military to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine, following high-level talks between President William Ruto and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Ruto said Kenya had appointed a Defence Attaché in Moscow to liaise directly with Russia’s Ministry of Defence and coordinate compensation claims for affected Kenyans and their families. The official will also assist efforts to secure the safe return of Kenyan nationals still in Russia.
The move follows growing revelations about the recruitment of Kenyans into Russian military operations, with some reportedly killed in combat while others remain missing.
An investigation by Journalists for Justice identified at least 76 Kenyans killed while fighting for Russia. The investigation found that 841 Kenyans were recruited between October 2022 and June 2026.
Across Africa, more than 3,000 people from 40 countries were reportedly recruited, with 502 confirmed deaths recorded by June 2026.
Some Kenyan nationals were allegedly lured to Russia with promises of civilian employment in security and logistics before being pressured into signing military contracts upon arrival.
Kenya’s National Intelligence Service has separately informed Parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans were recruited into the Russian military.
Ruto said the newly appointed Defence Attaché would work with Russian authorities to establish the compensation process and assist affected families. However, the amount of compensation, eligibility requirements and payment timelines have not yet been disclosed.
During the Moscow meeting, Ruto also announced that Russia had agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans into its armed forces. Kenya has subsequently been classified as a non-source country for Russian military recruitment.
The agreement is expected to prevent further recruitment of Kenyan nationals as Nairobi intensifies efforts to secure assistance for those already affected.
Beyond the military recruitment controversy, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, including increasing Russian scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300.
They also explored a bilateral labour agreement and expanded cooperation in transport, employment and diplomatic training.
Ruto further invited Putin to visit Kenya, in what would be the Russian leader’s first official visit to the country and his first trip to Africa since 2018. It remains unclear whether Putin has accepted the invitation.
