NAIROBI, Kenya — The Majority Leader of Kenya’s National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, has disclosed intelligence findings alleging that private recruitment agents and rogue state officials are facilitating the movement of Kenyans into the Russian military amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to a briefing attributed to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified efforts to recruit foreign fighters. The report indicates that former police officers, ex-military personnel and civilians aged between their mid-20s and 50s have been targeted.
Recruiters allegedly promised monthly pay of about Ksh350,000, signing bonuses ranging between Ksh900,000 and Ksh1.2 million, and the prospect of Russian citizenship. The offers were reportedly pitched to job seekers facing unemployment and financial hardship.
More than 1,000 Kenyans said to have left
Intelligence reports submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suggest that more than 1,000 Kenyans have departed the country in connection with the scheme. Updates from February 2026 indicate that at least 200 are believed to have been deployed in active combat roles.
Many recruits are said to have travelled on tourist visas via transit hubs including Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. Others reportedly exited through neighbouring countries such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, allegedly to avoid heightened scrutiny at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The intelligence dossier further alleges collusion involving rogue personnel from the Directorate of Immigration Services, the DCI, the Anti-Narcotics Unit and the National Employment Authority, enabling recruits to pass through airport controls without interception.
It also claims that certain individuals linked to diplomatic missions in Nairobi and Moscow facilitated visa processing, though no official response has yet been made public by the embassies concerned.
Recruitment fronts and urban operations
One agency named in the security briefing is said to be operating along Koinange Street in Nairobi’s central business district, allegedly recruiting young people under the banner of the “Kazi Majuu” initiative. Medical assessments were reportedly conducted at three private facilities in the CBD prior to departure.
In September, investigators from the Transnational Organised Crimes Unit raided premises at Great Wall Garden Apartments in Nairobi, where 22 Kenyans aged between 24 and 38 were reportedly rescued while awaiting travel.
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Returnees have told investigators they underwent approximately three weeks of military training in Moscow before being deployed to front-line positions. Several claim they had initially been promised non-combat roles, including technical assignments.
Casualties, missing persons and diplomatic risks
As of February 2026, official tallies cited in the intelligence brief indicate:
- 39 Kenyans hospitalised
- 30 repatriated
- 28 reported missing in action
- 35 stationed in camps
- 89 deployed on the front line
- One detained
- One reported to have completed a contract
Separate figures show at least 10 confirmed deaths, with estimates possibly rising to 18. Four Kenyans are reported to be prisoners of war in Ukrainian custody, while around 27 others remain unaccounted for.
Security officials warn that the alleged recruitment network raises concerns about human trafficking, mercenary activity and potential diplomatic strain for Kenya.
The war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has drawn foreign nationals on both sides, prompting several governments globally to caution citizens against involvement.
Kenyan authorities say intelligence-sharing efforts are ongoing to dismantle networks accused of exploiting vulnerable job seekers seeking opportunities abroad.
