NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has confirmed that over 200 Kenyan nationals may have been recruited to participate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with several already injured or stranded in military camps in the Russian Federation.
In an official update from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the government revealed that it has successfully repatriated 18 Kenyans who were at risk, issuing them with Emergency Travel Documents and providing reintegration support through counseling and psycho-social services.
“The safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad remain a top priority,” said the Ministry in the update. “We urge young Kenyans to verify all job opportunities abroad through official government channels to avoid exploitation by rogue recruitment networks.”
Official Update on the Safe Repatriation of Kenyans in Distress from the Russian Federation.
The government has confirmed that recruitment of African nationals into the Russian military has been reported since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, and that networks allegedly remain active both in Kenya and Russia.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has issued repeated alerts and is engaging Russian authorities to ensure the safe movement and repatriation of nationals.
Kenya is also in talks with Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the release of any Kenyan nationals reportedly held as prisoners of war.
To prevent further incidents, the government has strengthened recruitment regulations, deregistered over 600 non-compliant agencies, and launched the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA) to provide verified job opportunities abroad at no cost.
Job seekers are also encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs upon arrival in foreign countries, enabling timely consular assistance.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi commended the efforts of Kenya’s diplomatic team, including Ambassador Dr. Peter Mathuki in Moscow and the Principal Secretaries of the State Departments for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, for coordinating the safe repatriation of the nationals.
Kenyans in distress abroad can contact the 24/7 Diaspora Call Center via +254207876000, WhatsApp +254114757002, or email consular@diaspora.go.ke.
