President William Ruto has announced a major agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military following high-level talks at the Kremlin in Moscow.

The agreement, reached on Thursday, October 29, 2026, will see Kenya designated a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian armed forces, effectively closing official recruitment channels through which Kenyans have been enlisted to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Ruto announced the development after meeting Putin following the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit, saying the Russian leader had confirmed that Kenyans would no longer be enlisted into his country’s military.

“Held talks with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Kremlin, Moscow, after the conclusion of the Russia-Africa Summit,” Ruto said in a subsequent statement.

“Thanked President Putin for confirming that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted into the Russian military because Kenya has been categorised a non-source country for recruitment into the Russian military.”

The agreement comes amid growing concern over Kenyans who travelled to Russia after allegedly being promised employment opportunities, only to end up in military service and the conflict against Ukraine.

Defence Attaché to Coordinate Return and Compensation

As part of the agreement, President Ruto announced the appointment of a Defence Attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow to coordinate efforts to bring Kenyans involved in military activities back home.

The official will work directly with Russia’s Ministry of Defence to facilitate the return of affected citizens and process compensation for those who qualify.

Ruto said the Defence Attaché would also help ensure the safe return of Kenyans who travelled to Russia for military purposes.

The announcement offers a new diplomatic avenue for families seeking information about relatives who joined the Russian military, including those reported missing, injured, captured or killed during the war.

However, the President did not announce the amount of compensation to be paid or the criteria that will determine eligibility.