Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced new diplomatic efforts to address the growing concern of Kenyans reportedly recruited into the Russian military amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.
Mudavadi revealed that the government has convened a multi-agency meeting to coordinate Kenya’s response ahead of his planned official visit to Russia.
The meeting focused on strategies to safeguard Kenyans who may have been drawn into the conflict through misleading job offers or irregular recruitment networks.
According to Mudavadi, the government intends to intensify diplomatic engagement with Russian authorities to secure the welfare of affected citizens and prevent further recruitment of Kenyans into foreign military operations.
“The engagement focused on coordinated government action to protect Kenyans abroad, engage directly with Russian authorities through dialogue, and prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment,” Mudavadi said.
The move comes amid reports that a number of Kenyans travelled to Russia seeking employment opportunities but later found themselves enlisted into military service linked to the conflict with Ukraine.
Kenyan authorities have expressed concern over recruitment networks that allegedly lure job seekers with promises of lucrative work abroad.
Mudavadi said his upcoming visit to Russia will also focus on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
Discussions are expected to cover cooperation in key sectors including health, infrastructure, and nuclear energy, alongside broader diplomatic and economic partnerships.
He added that the trip will include engagements with Kenyans living and working legally in Russia, as part of efforts to maintain contact with the diaspora and address their welfare concerns.
“The Government of Kenya remains firmly committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Kenyans abroad,” Mudavadi said.
The multi-agency meeting brought together senior government officials including Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu and Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Josphat Maikara.
Representatives from the Kenya Defence Forces, the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs also attended the session as the government steps up efforts to track and assist affected Kenyans.