Kenya Repatriates 18 Nationals Recruited to Fight in Ukraine

Kenya has successfully repatriated 18 nationals who were stranded in Russia after being recruited to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

The operation was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs through Kenya’s embassy in Moscow, which facilitated the issuance of emergency travel documents and arranged flights back to Nairobi. The government has expressed concern over the recruitment of Kenyans into foreign conflicts, with reports indicating that over 200 citizens may have been enlisted since the war began in 2022. 

The embassy in Moscow has documented cases of injuries among some Kenyans and continues to receive urgent appeals for assistance from those still trapped in military camps. To address the issue, the government has urged citizens travelling to Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan to register with the embassy for consular support. 

Efforts are also underway to negotiate a Bilateral Labour Agreement with Russia, aimed at securing safer and more legitimate job opportunities for Kenyans abroad. Additionally, talks are in progress with Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the release of any Kenyan nationals detained as prisoners of war.

The Kenyan government has emphasised the need for jobseekers to avoid unverified employment offers and consult the relevant authorities to prevent falling victim to fraudulent recruitment networks.