Kenya’s government has revealed that Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine.
The announcement was made by Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, following talks in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
“I want to make it clear that Kenyans shall no longer be enlisted through the Russian Ministry of Defence,” Mudavadi said. “There will be no further enlisting.”
Earlier intelligence reports warned that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight for Russia, with some allegedly deceived by promises of well-paid civilian jobs before being forced into combat. Mudavadi is also seeking the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home. So far, 27 have been brought back and are receiving psychological support and reintegration assistance.
While Lavrov did not comment directly on the agreement, he noted that all foreign nationals had enlisted voluntarily in accordance with Russian law, which allows for early termination of contracts.
Kenyan authorities have shut down more than 600 recruitment agencies suspected of luring citizens into military service overseas. Lawmakers have raised concerns over networks that may have collaborated with rogue officials to recruit Kenyans for the conflict.
During his visit to Moscow, Mudavadi also indicated his intention to negotiate broader agreements to improve Kenyan access to the Russian job market. “We do not want our partnership with Russia to be defined solely by the conflict in Ukraine,” he said, emphasizing the importance of wider economic and diplomatic ties.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia. Other African nations, including South Africa, have also repatriated citizens who were misled into joining the conflict.
The Kenyan government faces growing public pressure from families demanding answers and the safe return of their relatives. Mudavadi’s trip underscores Kenya’s efforts to protect its citizens and prevent further exploitation in the ongoing Ukraine war.
