The Kenyan government successfully negotiated an agreement with the Russian Federation on Monday to immediately halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi secured the commitment during a high-level diplomatic mission to Moscow, where he met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. The deal ensures that Kenyan nationals will no longer be eligible for enlistment through the Russian Ministry of Defence.
"I want to make it clear that we have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted through the Russian Ministry of Defence—they will no longer be eligible to be enlisted," Mudavadi stated during a joint press conference. He emphasised the government's firm stance, adding, "There will be no further enlisting."
The diplomatic breakthrough follows months of escalating tension and domestic outcry. In February, a report by Kenya’s National Intelligence Service revealed that over 1,000 Kenyans had been lured to the front lines, a figure five times higher than previous official estimates. Many were reportedly "tricked" by rogue recruitment agencies promising lucrative civilian roles in security or logistics, only to find themselves in combat zones.
Recruitment networks reportedly targeted unemployed youth and former security personnel with offers of $6,000 signing bonuses and monthly salaries exceeding $2,700. In response to these "predatory" tactics, Nairobi has already revoked the licenses of over 600 employment agencies suspected of operating as fronts for military contractors.
While Minister Lavrov maintained that those currently serving had joined "voluntarily," he acknowledged the concerns of the Kenyan government. He noted that the Russian Defence Ministry is investigating specific cases involving Kenyan nationals that have caused distress to their families.
As part of the new agreement, Kenya will establish formal consular channels to provide assistance to its citizens still in Russia. This includes organising the repatriation of those who wish to return home and supporting the families of the 28 Kenyans currently listed as missing in action.