By By Elizabeth ugbo
Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced in Moscow that Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan nationals to fight in the war in Ukraine. The agreement followed high-level talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The meeting took place in Moscow and addressed growing concerns over Kenyans allegedly lured into the conflict. Kenyan authorities have raised alarms over deceptive recruitment practices targeting citizens seeking jobs abroad.
Kenya-Russia Agreement on Recruitment
Mudavadi confirmed that both countries reached a clear understanding. Kenyans will no longer be enlisted through Russia’s defence ministry.
He stressed that the partnership between Kenya and Russia goes beyond the Ukraine conflict. According to him, both nations aim to maintain broader diplomatic and economic ties.
However, Lavrov did not directly comment on the agreement. Instead, he maintained that foreign fighters joined voluntarily under Russian law.
Rising Concerns Over Human Trafficking
Kenyan officials have expressed serious concern about recruitment networks. Reports suggest that many citizens were misled with promises of well-paying civilian jobs.
Instead, they reportedly found themselves forced into combat roles in Ukraine.
Moreover, Kenyan lawmakers have accused rogue officials of collaborating with human trafficking groups. These networks allegedly facilitate the movement of recruits into war zones.
Repatriation Efforts and Government Action
The Kenyan government has stepped up intervention efforts. So far, authorities have repatriated 27 Kenyans who had been fighting for Russia.
Officials are also providing psychological support to returnees. This includes trauma care and deradicalisation programs.
In addition, Mudavadi is pushing for the return of more citizens who want to come home.
Public Pressure Mounts in Nairobi
Public concern continues to grow. In February, families of affected Kenyans staged protests outside parliament in Nairobi.
They demanded urgent government action and safe return of their relatives.
At the same time, authorities have shut down over 600 recruitment agencies. These agencies allegedly deceived job seekers with false overseas opportunities.
Intelligence Reports Reveal Scale of Recruitment
Kenyan intelligence estimates that more than 1,000 citizens may have been recruited.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that over 1,700 Africans from 36 countries joined Russian forces.
In a related development, South Africa repatriated 17 citizens earlier this year. They claimed they were trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being deceived.
Future Cooperation Beyond the Conflict
Despite the controversy, Kenya and Russia plan to strengthen economic ties. Mudavadi is negotiating improved access for Kenyans to the Russian job market.
However, the new agreement aims to ensure safer and more transparent employment processes.
