NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has announced an amnesty for Kenyan citizens who were recruited into Russian military operations, as Nairobi moves to facilitate their return and halt further enlistment.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the decision followed bilateral consultations in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov between March 15 and March 18.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the talks focused on the recruitment of Kenyan nationals to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, with Moscow agreeing to halt the enlistment of Kenyans and allow those unwilling to continue to disengage and return home.
The government said the agreement also grants Kenya’s mission in Moscow consular access to nationals in hospitals and civilian facilities to support the repatriation of the injured and facilitate the return of remains of those who died.
Officials estimate that 252 Kenyans were recruited into the operations. Of these, 44 have already been repatriated, 11 have been reported missing or killed in action, and 38 are hospitalised in various Russian facilities under restricted access. The ministry said about 160 Kenyans remain actively involved.
Mudavadi said the government would extend amnesty to those recruited, noting that Kenyan law prohibits citizens from joining foreign armed forces without presidential approval.
“Section 68 of the Penal Code outlaws enlistment of Kenyan nationals in the military or armed forces of any foreign state without written authority of the President,” the ministry said, adding that the offence attracts up to 10 years’ imprisonment unless the enlistment is proven not to have been voluntary.
The government also announced plans to roll out a nationwide sensitisation campaign dubbed “Linda Mkenya Majuu” to educate citizens on safe and legitimate employment opportunities abroad, while warning against human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal recruitment.
Officials said Kenya and Russia would begin information sharing to disrupt networks involved in the recruitment of foreign fighters and related trafficking schemes.
The ministry urged Kenyans seeking work overseas to use official government channels and verify opportunities before travelling, as authorities intensify efforts to track recruitment agents and protect citizens from exploitation.
