The governments of Kenya and Russia have agreed to stop the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military, following growing concern over reports that dozens had been enlisted to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.
The agreement was reached during bilateral talks in Moscow on Monday between Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Despite the new arrangement, Kenyan nationals already serving in the Russian armed forces will not be immediately repatriated. Russian officials said those who joined the military did so voluntarily and must formally terminate their contracts before returning home.
“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily,” Lavrov said. “The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate them, but this is done under the Ministry of Defence.”
Mudavadi acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the issue, noting that some Kenyan recruits had travelled abroad without disclosing their true intentions.
“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” he said, adding that the Kenyan government is pursuing a diplomatic solution to the matter.
During the discussions, Russia also emphasised that foreign nationals serving in its military had signed contracts willingly and that recruitment was not targeted specifically at Africa.
“No one can prevent their citizens from looking for jobs if they want to look for jobs,” Lavrov said. “We have citizens from Asia and other countries.”
The two countries also signed a labour migration agreement aimed at creating more transparent processes for citizens seeking employment opportunities abroad.
Mudavadi confirmed that both governments had reached a clear understanding that Kenyans would no longer be eligible to enlist in the Russian defence forces.
“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted in the Department of Defence and they will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the military here in Russia,” he said.
He also noted that consular support would be provided to Kenyan nationals currently hospitalised in Russia.
“The consular services will also be arranged for Kenyans who are in hospital so that they can be assisted according to the law,” Mudavadi added.
The issue has sparked concern in Kenya after reports emerged that several citizens had died while fighting on the battlefield, while others remain stranded abroad after allegedly being recruited through misleading job offers.
Mudavadi travelled to Moscow on Sunday to engage Russian authorities following mounting pressure from families seeking the return of their relatives.
“As we resolve the concerns of Kenyan families, I believe we have now found common ground to ensure no further enlisting,” he said.
The Kenyan government has also stressed that it does not want its broader diplomatic relationship with Russia to be defined solely by the war in Ukraine.
“We do not want for any reason our partnership with Russia to be considered through the lens of special operations,” Mudavadi said.
Beyond the immediate issue, the talks also focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas including education, agriculture, labour mobility, infrastructure and energy.
