Russia Ceases Recruitment of Kenyan Fighters for Ukraine Conflict

Mon Mar 16 2026 17:21:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Kenya's foreign minister announces an agreement with Russia to halt the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Kenya's foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, stated that Russia has agreed to stop the recruitment of Kenyan nationals to fight in Ukraine. This decision comes amid reports that many Kenyans were deceived into joining the fight under false job prospects. The announcement was made after discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, where Mudavadi also emphasized the need for the repatriation of Kenyans wishing to return home. Public pressure for action has been mounting, following numerous cases of Kenyans believed to be trapped in conflict zones.

Kenya's foreign minister says Russia has agreed to stop deploying Kenyan nationals to fight in the war in Ukraine, after talks in Moscow.

Sitting beside his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Musalia Mudavadi said both sides had agreed that Kenyans would no longer be recruited through Russia's defense ministry. They will no longer be eligible to be enlisted, he said.

Lavrov did not comment on the deal and insisted that all foreign fighters had joined voluntarily in full compliance with Russian law.

A Kenyan intelligence report in February warned that more than 1,000 citizens had been recruited to fight for Russia.

Some Kenyans have alleged they were lured with promises of well-paid civilian jobs but were forced into combat instead. Mudavadi is also advocating for the repatriation of Kenyans who wish to return home.

Last month, he revealed that authorities had shut down over 600 recruitment agencies suspected of deceiving Kenyans with false job offers.

Kenyan officials have raised concerns about state officials purportedly collaborating with human trafficking networks to recruit citizens to fight for Russia. Currently, 27 Kenyans who fought for Russia have been brought back home, receiving psychological support to address their trauma.

The number of Kenyans killed in combat remains unclear, and many families seeking answers from the Russian embassy have reported being turned away.

In February, public protests were staged in Nairobi by families of Kenyans believed to be fighting in Ukraine, demanding governmental action for the safe return of their loved ones.

During his visit to Moscow, Mudavadi is also pursuing agreements to facilitate Kenyan access to the Russian job market, emphasizing the need for a broader partnership between Kenya and Russia beyond the current conflict.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that over 1,700 people from 36 African countries are involved in the conflict on Russia's behalf.

Previously, South Africa repatriated several citizens caught in similar circumstances, showing a need for vigilance against deceptive recruitment practices.

Ukraine has faced accusations for attempting to recruit foreign nationals, including from Africa, to bolster their ranks in the ongoing war.