State warns Kenyans over Russia job offers

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The government has warned citizens against falling prey to fraudulent job offers linked to travel to the Russian Federation through informal recruitment channels.

In an advisory issued by the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Moscow, the mission said it has recently received numerous inquiries about an increasing number of Kenyan nationals who travelled to Russia after receiving job offers through unverified agents and online recruiters.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Moscow has recently received numerous inquiries on an increasing number of Kenyan nationals who have travelled to the Russian Federation after receiving job offers through unverified agents and online recruiters,” the statement said.

According to the embassy, many affected individuals or their relatives reported that they were promised employment opportunities, high salaries, and residency arrangements, which, upon arrival, did not exist or differed significantly from what had been communicated.

“They further indicated that in some cases, passports were withheld, movement was restricted, and the individuals became subject to conditions beyond their control and access by the Embassy for consular services,” the mission added.

The embassy cautioned that where individuals travel through irregular, unsafe, unverified, and informal channels, consular access and intervention may be limited or delayed.

“Immediate extraction or repatriation may also be challenging for contractual disputes, restricted location, or legal processes under the laws and administrative procedures of the host country,” the statement said.

While affirming that the government continues to assist affected citizens in collaboration with the host country, the embassy stressed that prevention remains the most effective protection.

Kenyans were strongly advised not to travel for employment arranged through social media, messaging applications, or unlicensed agencies.

The Embassy urged Kenyans to verify all job offers through the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and the Kenyan diplomatic mission before departure.

The advisory also urged Kenyans to avoid travelling on tourist visas for employment purposes and to inform family members that unverified travel carries significant personal risk and may limit government assistance.

All Kenyans travelling or residing in Russia, Belarus, or Kazakhstan were advised to register with the embassy.

The mission warned that individuals who knowingly bypass government verification procedures may encounter situations where assistance options are severely constrained by local laws.

It added that the embassy is working with authorities in both countries to address emerging fraudulent recruitment networks and urged job seekers to verify opportunities before travelling abroad.

“The safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad remains a priority of the Government of Kenya,” the statement said.