NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has successfully facilitated the rescue and return of 18 citizens who were stranded in the Russian Federation after being recruited into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The announcement was made by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, who attributed the mission’s success to decisive diplomatic and consular efforts via Kenya’s mission in Moscow.
“The Government affirms that through these interventions, 18 Kenyan citizens have been successfully rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated to Kenya,” Mudavadi stated. He confirmed that the state has meticulously recorded the travel details and documentation of all returnees.
Support and reintegration
To address the trauma associated with the conflict, the government is providing comprehensive aftercare.
“The Government has a fully-fledged counselling unit that offers psycho-social support to returnees, their families and other Kenyans in distress,” Mudavadi explained.
These individuals will now enter a structured reintegration program managed by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
Scope of the crisis
The situation remains critical, as reports suggest a widespread recruitment network targeting African nationals. The Kenyan government estimates that over 200 Kenyans may have been drafted into military service through active networks operating both domestically and within Russia.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed various reports of injuries and abandonment among those recruited. Mudavadi highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the state continues to receive pleas for help from those still trapped.
“Further, the Government has received multiple emails and urgent communications from Kenyans in distress in various military camps in the Russian Federation,” he said. “Several of them have reported injuries among our nationals and others stranded following attempted recruitment into the violent conflict.”
Ongoing diplomatic and protective measures
In response to these developments, Kenya’s Mission in Moscow has issued safety alerts for citizens in the region.
“The Mission advised all Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance and protection,” Mudavadi noted.
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The government is currently taking the following steps:
- Negotiating with Russia: Engaging authorities to move Kenyans from military camps to the Moscow mission for repatriation.
- Labor Agreements: Seeking a Bilateral Labour Agreement with Russia to ensure “genuine and safe job opportunities” for Kenyans in the future.
- Prisoner exchange talks: Communicating with Ukrainian authorities to secure the release of any Kenyans held as prisoners of war.
A warning to youth
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi concluded with a stern warning to young Kenyans regarding the dangers of “ruthless agents” promising lucrative foreign jobs.
“The Government continues to urge young Kenyans who get job offers abroad to liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Labour and Social Protection to verify the authenticity of opportunities,” he advised. “This will ensure that no Kenyan is lured by these corrupt and ruthless agents to travel and get trapped in such dangerous situations.”
