Kenya sustains pressure on Russia over welfare of Kenyans fighting in Ukraine

Prime and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday said his talks with Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko placed the situation of Kenyans lured and knowingly joining the conflict at the centre of bilateral engagement.

“A key part of our discussions centred on the welfare of Kenyan nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides agreeing to sustain close engagement on consular support and protection,” Mudavadi said after the meeting.

Following talks between Mudavadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in March, Moscow agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans for the war in Ukraine.

While hundreds of Kenyans were allegedly duped into fighting, Russia maintained that those already fighting joined voluntarily and would have to complete their contracts.

And while the government has avoided direct confrontation with Moscow, the latest engagement suggests a more assertive and sustained diplomatic approach.

Nairobi has in recent months faced mounting domestic pressure to account for citizens reportedly recruited into foreign conflicts, particularly under opaque arrangements. Human rights groups and families have raised concerns over the conditions faced by some of the recruits, including limited communication and unclear legal status.

Beyond the welfare of Kenyans, the two diplomats also discussed deepening ties in nuclear energy, space technology, trade and labour mobility.

Both sides also committed to fast-tracking the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, a mechanism expected to anchor long-term collaboration.

Kenya is particularly keen on structured labour mobility agreements, which could open new employment pathways for Kenyan workers abroad.

However, the emerging concerns over nationals caught up in conflict zones are likely to shape how such agreements are negotiated going forward, with stronger safeguards expected to feature prominently.

The discussions also explored opportunities in Kenya’s Special Economic Zones, pointing to Moscow’s interest in expanding its economic footprint in East Africa. This reflects a broader Russian push to deepen engagement on the continent amid shifting global alliances.

Mudavadi emphasised that the partnership with Russia would be “practical and results-driven”, but the inclusion of consular welfare in the same breath highlights the dual-track approach: pursuing economic cooperation, while safeguarding national interests.