Kenya Seeks Compensation and Safe Return for Citizens Recruited by Russia

Kenya is seeking compensation and the safe return of citizens recruited into Russia’s armed forces, following talks between President William Ruto and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Ruto said Kenya had appointed a Defence Attaché in Moscow to work directly with Russia’s Ministry of Defence. The official will help process compensation claims and support efforts to bring affected Kenyans and assist their families.

The precise value of any compensation, eligibility requirements and payment timetable have not been announced.

Recruitment figures differ

Ruto also said Russia had agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans into its armed forces. The statement came as concerns continued over Kenyans who were recruited to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Some Kenyans were reportedly offered civilian work in security and logistics before being required to sign military contracts after arriving in Russia. Kenya has been classified as a non-source country for military recruitment.

An investigation by Journalists for Justice identified 841 Kenyan nationals reportedly recruited between October 2022 and June 2026. The group said at least 76 Kenyans were killed while fighting for Russia.

Kenya’s National Intelligence Service separately told Parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited. The differing estimates have not been reconciled in the available information.

Some of those recruited were killed, while others remain unaccounted for, according to the verified reports.

Wider Kenya-Russia discussions

The Moscow talks also covered plans to expand Russian scholarships for Kenyan students from 70 to 300. The two leaders discussed negotiating a bilateral labour agreement, as well as cooperation in transport, employment and diplomatic training.

Ruto invited Putin to visit Kenya. It remains unclear whether the Russian president accepted the invitation.

Journalists for Justice said its wider investigation documented more than 3,000 recruits from 40 African countries and 502 confirmed deaths across Africa by June this year. The figures provide a broader regional context to Kenya’s efforts to secure information, compensation and assistance for affected citizens.