Kenya, Russia Seal Deal To Stop Recruitment Of Kenyans Into Ukraine War
News Updated: 16 March 2026 18:26 EAT
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.
Kenya and Russia have agreed to halt the enlistment of Kenyan citizens into Russia’s military operations in Ukraine following high-level diplomatic talks in Moscow.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Musalia Mudavadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Mudavadi announced that both governments had reached an understanding to stop the recruitment of Kenyans into what Russia refers to as its Special Military Operation in Ukraine.
The deal was concluded during Mudavadi’s official visit to Moscow aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing growing concerns over Kenyans joining the conflict.
Kenya had raised alarm over increasing reports that its citizens were travelling to Russia and signing military contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Some of the recruits are believed to have travelled on tourist visas before joining Russian military units under contractual arrangements.
Families and lawmakers in Kenya had previously demanded government intervention after reports emerged that young Kenyans were being lured with promises of well-paying jobs.
Authorities say some recruitment networks used brokers and informal agents who advertised overseas employment opportunities that later turned out to involve military service.
Government estimates had indicated that at least 200 Kenyans were already serving in Russian military units, though unofficial figures suggested the number could be higher.
Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Moscow has also handled cases involving injured recruits and others seeking assistance while serving in the Russian forces.
Mudavadi said Kenya will continue providing consular support to citizens who are already enlisted through established diplomatic channels.
Russian officials have maintained that foreign nationals serving in their military joined voluntarily under legal contractual frameworks.
Despite the recruitment dispute, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in sectors such as energy, education, agriculture and trade.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD