NAIROBI, Kenya — A classified National Intelligence Service (NIS) report to Parliament has revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals have been recruited and deployed to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, sparking alarm among lawmakers and human rights advocates.
The revelations have intensified calls for swift action against alleged traffickers and rogue officials believed to be facilitating the controversial recruitment.
The report, presented by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, indicates that the majority of recruits were lured by promises of well-paying security and logistics jobs, only to find themselves in active combat roles after minimal military training.
According to the intelligence briefing, recruiters offered prospective recruits monthly salaries of about Sh350,000, signing bonuses ranging from Sh900,000 to Sh1.2 million, and the possibility of Russian citizenship.
NIS: Kenyan Fighters In RussiaNIS report reveals over 1,000 Kenyans recruited to fight in RussiaReport details how Kenyans were lured by rogue agentsIchung’wah: 39 Kenyans hospitalized, 30 reportedly repatriatedIchung’wah: 28 missing, 35 in training camps, 89 on the
Ichung’wah told lawmakers that the recruitment effort was facilitated by a network of rogue recruitment agencies and corrupt officials, including employees in immigration, criminal investigations, and employment authorities.
Some recruits were reportedly flown out of Kenya on tourist visas via third countries such as Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa to avoid detection at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The human toll uncovered by the report is significant. As of February 2026, intelligence data shows that:
- 89 Kenyans remain on the frontlines,
- 39 are hospitalised,
- 30 have been repatriated,
- 28 are missing in action,
- 35 are in military camps, and
- One has completed their contract.
At least one Kenyan has already been confirmed dead in the conflict, and several others have returned home injured or traumatised, according to additional reporting.
The disclosures have provoked outrage among members of Parliament, who have pressed government ministries to identify and prosecute rogue individuals and dismantle the syndicate that facilitated the recruitment.
Critics argue that the situation amounts to human trafficking and represents a serious breach of national security.
“The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to trigger the recruitment of foreign fighters,” Ichung’wah said, adding that the collusion of state officials with private actors has made it easier for recruiters to evade scrutiny and target young Kenyans desperate for employment.
Government officials have urged Kenyans to exercise caution when considering overseas job offers and to verify opportunities through licensed agencies and diplomatic missions.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration Services, and foreign missions have been advised to strengthen monitoring measures to prevent further exploitation.
Families of those affected have called for urgent action to repatriate their loved ones and secure accountability.
Some relatives have shared harrowing stories of sons and brothers who left Kenya seeking legitimate work, only to find themselves thrust into a distant and devastating conflict.
The report comes amid growing international concern over the recruitment of foreign fighters into the Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict now in its fourth year, and highlights the risks vulnerable citizens face when targeted by unscrupulous actors promising false opportunities abroad.
