Trending 
Presidents William Ruto and Vladimir Putin agreed at the Kremlin on Thursday to stop the enlistment of Kenyans into the Russian military following bilateral talks at the Third Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow.
The landmark agreement designates Kenya as a non-source country, closing illegal recruitment channels that sent several Kenyans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
President Ruto confirmed that he appointed a defence attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow to coordinate directly with the Russian Ministry of Defence.
“I informed President Putin that I have appointed a Defence Attaché at the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, who will liaise with the Russian Ministry of Defence to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who had travelled to Russia for military purposes,” Ruto stated, adding that the official will also coordinate compensation for affected citizens and ensure their safe return.
Beyond defence issues, both leaders emphasised expanding economic partnerships, citing historical ties rooted in Russia becoming the second nation to recognise Kenya’s independence in 1963.
President Ruto addressed the current commercial gap between the nations, stating, “I recognise there is a trade imbalance in favour of Russia, but there is an opportunity to look at what other trade avenues we can explore.”
Expansion of Kenyan Exports
He specifically urged the expansion of Kenyan exports like tea and flowers while inviting Russian firms to invest in Kenya’s National Infrastructure Fund, describing the projects as “commercially viable opportunities that can be looked at.”
President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to trade, noting its status as a primary fertiliser supplier to Kenya.
Credit: People Daily
“Russia is one of the top fertiliser exporters to Kenya. I reiterate that we need to preserve this trend. We maintain fruitful cultural and humanitarian ties between our countries,” Putin stated.
He also announced that Russia will increase higher education scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300 annually.
On global governance, Putin pledged support for strengthening the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi and highlighted their shared commitment to a multipolar world order and UN reforms.
The summit concluded with both governments signing five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering economic cooperation, employment, transport, diplomatic training, and visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders.
Read More : Ruto Woos Russian Investors to Kenya
One agreement establishes the Intergovernmental Russia-Kenya Commission on Economic Cooperation, while another aligns Russia’s Federal Service for Labour and Employment with Kenya’s Ministry of Labour to expand formal job opportunities for Kenyans.
Reflecting on the bilateral outcome, President Ruto declared, “We believe the economic activities presented to Kenya give us a win-win opportunity for both Kenya and Russia.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, and Ambassador Peter Mathuki accompanied Ruto to the talks.
