Nairobi Seeks Deal with Moscow to Prevent Kenyans Being Forced into Military Service in Russia

Kenya and Russia are negotiating a formal labour agreement aimed at preventing the exploitation of Kenyan citizens through deceptive recruitment linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The proposed deal seeks to establish regulated employment channels following reports that some Kenyans were misled into travelling to Russia with promises of jobs in sectors such as hospitality and logistics, only to be coerced into military service. The initiative, led by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is intended to protect citizens from fraudulent agents who have taken advantage of economic hardship to recruit workers under false pretences.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that discussions between Nairobi and Moscow are progressing, noting Kenya’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Russia. He said the planned agreement will help ensure that Kenyans access legitimate job opportunities abroad under clearly defined terms.

The urgency of the talks follows accounts of Kenyan nationals whose travel documents were confiscated upon arrival in Russia before being forced to sign military enlistment papers written in Russian. Several of these individuals later appeared in military camps or near combat zones in Ukraine, unable to leave and often working without pay.

Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has been working to identify and repatriate affected citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a number of Kenyans have already been rescued from military installations and issued emergency travel documents. The embassy continues to monitor the situation and has advised all Kenyan travellers in Russia to register with the mission and remain alert.

Russian officials have acknowledged the problem, stating that some foreigners enter “voluntary contracts” without understanding their full implications. They noted that fraudulent recruiters posing as official representatives have targeted multiple nationalities, complicating efforts to manage the situation.

In a recent development, Kenya and Russia agreed to secure the release of Kenyans detained in Russian military camps against their will. Under the arrangement, those individuals will be handed over to the Kenyan Mission in Moscow for safe return home.

Public concern over the issue grew after a video circulated showing a Kenyan man, identified as Evans, in Ukrainian custody. He said he had travelled to Russia as a tourist before being forced into military service. The incident led to an investigation in Kenya, resulting in the arrest of a Russian national suspected of involvement in illegal recruitment.

Kenyan authorities have since increased surveillance at airports and other points of entry to detect and stop illicit recruitment networks. The government has tasked immigration and security agencies with identifying those facilitating such activities.