The government has successfully repatriated 18 Kenyans from Russia who were reportedly recruited to take part in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
In a statement, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the 18 citizens were rescued, issued with emergency travel documents, and safely returned to Kenya.
Mudavadi said the government estimates that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited into the Russian military since the conflict began in 2022.
The returnees will receive psychosocial support and counselling through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs. They will also undergo a reintegration programme to help them return to normal life.
“Since the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022, recruitment into the Russian military has reportedly expanded to include African nationals. Credible reports indicate that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed cases of injuries among Kenyan nationals, as well as others left stranded after being recruited or after failed recruitment attempts.
The government said it has received several distress messages from Kenyans in military camps in Russia, some reporting injuries and difficult living conditions.
Following confirmation that Kenyans had been drafted into the Russian military, the Kenyan Mission in Moscow issued public alerts advising Kenyans travelling to or living in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy for monitoring and consular assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is now engaging the Russian government to facilitate the movement of Kenyans, including those in military camps, to the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow for onward repatriation.
Mudavadi said Kenya is also engaging Ukraine to help secure the release and safe return of any Kenyans who may be held as prisoners of war.
At the same time, the government urged young Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to verify employment offers through the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Labour and Social Protection to avoid falling victim to fraudulent recruiters.
To protect job seekers, Mudavadi said all recruitment agencies must be registered and vetted by the National Employment Authority (NEA). He noted that more than 600 non-compliant agencies have already been deregistered.
The government also said it is working to strengthen relations with Russia, including discussions on a bilateral labour agreement to ensure Kenyans access safe and legitimate job opportunities.
Mudavadi commended officials involved in the repatriation effort, including Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia Dr. Peter Mathuki, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’oei, and Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Dr. Roseline Njogu.
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