Recruitment of Kenyans to Russia persists despite closure of 600 agencies – Mudavadi

African recruits serving in the Russian military/HANDOUT

Despite government efforts to regulate recruitment, agencies facilitating the enlistment of Kenyans into the Russian military continue to operate, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has warned.

“Since the onset of the Russia–Ukraine conflict in 2022, recruitment into the Russian military has reportedly expanded to include African nationals. Credible reports indicate that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited, with networks believed to remain active in both Kenya and the Russian Federation,” Mudavadi said, highlighting ongoing risks to Kenyan citizens.

He noted that the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed cases of injuries among Kenyan nationals and others who faced difficulties following recruitment.

Mudavadi disclosed that 18 Kenyans have so far been assisted, issued Emergency Travel Documents, and safely returned to Kenya.

“The Government has received multiple emails and urgent communications from Kenyans in distress in various military camps in the Russian Federation. Several of them have reported injuries among our nationals, and others are stranded following recruitment into the conflict,” he added.

To safeguard Kenyan job seekers, the government has strengthened recruitment regulations and enforcement mechanisms.

Measures include mandatory registration and vetting of all recruitment agencies by the National Employment Authority (NEA), with non-compliant or deceptive operators facing sanctions such as license revocation and legal action.

According to Mudavadi, over 600 agencies that did not meet requirements have already been deregistered and closed.

The government has also established the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA), which provides verified, government-approved job opportunities abroad at no cost.

The DPA offers pre-departure guidance through brochures and handbooks to ensure safe migration, while overseeing the authentication of job orders issued by local Private Recruitment Agencies (PRAs).

“Through grassroots forums such as Mashinani Engagements, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs provides job seekers with accurate information on licensed recruitment agencies, contract verification, ethical recruitment standards, safe migration procedures, and government-approved foreign labour pathways,” Mudavadi explained.

His warnings underscore the need for vigilance among Kenyan job seekers, particularly those considering employment opportunities abroad.

Authorities continue to advise citizens to verify recruitment agencies, confirm contract details, and seek guidance from government-approved platforms before travelling overseas.

The government has reassured the public that it will continue monitoring recruitment networks to prevent exploitation of Kenyan citizens while encouraging communities to report suspicious activity.

Recent reports indicate that recruiters have shifted tactics, using messaging platforms such as Telegram.

This follows a government action on September 24, during which at least 22 individuals were intercepted while preparing to travel to Russia for military service.

Data shared by the Ukrainian government indicates that Russia has recruited at least 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries since 2022.

Of these, at least 1,436 recruits originate from 36 African countries, according to Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andriy Sybiha as of the end of October 2025.