Moscow – Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans into its military, President William Ruto has announced, as Kenya moves to secure the return of its citizens who travelled to Russia for military purposes amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ruto announced the development on Friday following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, during which he stated that Kenya had been designated as a non-source country for Russian military recruitment.

In a statement posted on X, Ruto expressed gratitude to Putin for confirming the decision, which aims to prevent further recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian armed forces.

The Kenyan president also announced the appointment of a defence attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow to work with Russia’s Ministry of Defence on the repatriation of Kenyans who had travelled to the country for military purposes.

The official will also work with Russian authorities to facilitate compensation for affected Kenyans and ensure their safe return home.

“I have appointed a Defence Attaché at the Kenya Embassy in Moscow, who will liaise with the Russian Ministry of Defence in processing the return of Kenyans who were in Russia for military purposes,” Ruto said.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals into Russia’s military as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine.

Kenya has faced concerns over citizens travelling to Russia and subsequently becoming involved in military activities.

Ruto did not specify how many Kenyans were affected or when the repatriation process would begin.

More than 1,000 Kenyans have been lured to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine, according to an intelligence report tabled before the Kenyan parliament in February.

A growing number of people from African countries – including Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa – and elsewhere have been reportedly lured to the frontline as Russia seeks manpower to sustain its invasion.