Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has disclosed the earnings of Kenyans recruited into the Russian army, revealing that some receive monthly salaries of up to Sh350,000.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Mudavadi said recruitment into Russia’s special military operations mainly targets former security personnel and unemployed individuals.
According to government records, about 252 Kenyan nationals are believed to have been enlisted in the operations, although the actual number could be higher.
“We have noted that some Kenyans working in security roles in the Middle East are abandoning their jobs and voluntarily joining the special military operations in Russia. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East could further drive recruitment from third countries,” Mudavadi told the committee.
The ministry estimates that over 1,000 Kenyans are currently living, working and studying in Russia. Of these, about 300 are students, while around 450 are engaged in various economic activities.
Mudavadi noted that most Kenyans who joined the operations did so willingly and with full awareness of the risks involved. He said recruits signed valid contracts to serve in either logistics or combat roles.
He attributed the trend to attractive incentives, including a signing bonus ranging from Sh1.5 million to Sh3 million, monthly salaries of between Sh50,000 and Sh350,000, as well as promises of Russian citizenship and gratuity upon completion of contracts.
“The indications are that most of the recruited Kenyans signed their contracts fully aware of the responsibilities and dangers involved,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary further revealed that 16 Kenyans have been reported missing in action, while 38 others are receiving treatment in Russian hospitals under restricted access. An estimated 165 Kenyans remain actively involved in the operations.
He added that 47 Kenyans have so far been rescued, with the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow facilitating their return home.
On prisoners of war, Mudavadi said two Kenyans — Evans Kibet and Macharia Willi Muniu — are currently being held by Ukrainian authorities.
The government has also moved to crack down on illegal recruitment networks. Mudavadi said arrests have been made, including that of Edwin Kamau Gituku and Festus Arasa Omwamba, linked to the deregistered Global Face Human Resources agency. The suspects were charged with human trafficking in September 2025 and February 2026 for irregularly recruiting Kenyans and detaining others with the aim of enlisting them into the Russian army.
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