Kenya and Russia reach agreement on recruitment of Kenyans to the Russian Army amid rising fatalities in Ukraine war
Monday, March 16, 2026 - Kenya and Russia have reached a new agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into the Russian military, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced in Moscow on Monday, March 16th. Speaking during a joint press conference with Russian officials, Mudavadi confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had engaged with the Kenyan Government on the welfare of Kenyans currently in Russia, including those involved in military operations. “We have agreed that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted for special operations through the Defence Ministry,” he stated. Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya and Russia share a partnership spanning more than six decades, and the decision underscores the importance of safeguarding that relationship. He revealed that both nations will sign a labour agreement to protect Kenyans working abroad, particularly in industries such as drone manufacturing where exposure to harmful chemicals has raised concerns. The announcement comes amid troubling reports of Kenyans being lured into Russia through fraudulent recruitment networks. A February 2026 report by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that over 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited, with at least 10 confirmed dead, 28 missing, 39 hospitalized, and dozens still active on the frontlines in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed claims of coercion, insisting that all foreign nationals joined voluntarily. “Once a contract terminates, the individual is no longer bound and is free to make their own decisions,” he said, adding that nationals from multiple countries have joined the Russian army. On repatriation, Russian officials noted that Kenyans who wish to return home must facilitate their own travel, as they joined the military of their own volition. The Kenyan DAILY POST
Ladun Liadi -
