Kenya repatriates 18 citizens from Russia amid reports of 200 more on front lines in Ukraine war

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya has repatriated 18 citizens from Russia after the government intervened to assist its nationals in distress amid the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.

In an official update, the ministry stated that the rescued Kenyans were issued emergency travel documents and returned home through coordinated consular efforts, noting that “18 Kenyan citizens have been successfully rescued, issued with Emergency Travel Documents, and safely repatriated to Kenya.”

Officials said the returnees will receive psychosocial support and participate in a reintegration program under the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to help them resume their normal lives.

The government stated that the repatriations occur amid growing concerns over the recruitment of African nationals into the Russian military since the conflict began in 2022.

Authorities cited credible reports indicating that more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited, with networks believed to remain active both in Kenya and in the Russian Federation.

Kenya's embassy in Moscow has confirmed reports of Kenyan nationals being injured or left stranded following attempted recruitment.

The ministry said it has received multiple urgent communications from Kenyans reporting distress in Russian military camps, including reports of injuries and abandonment after being duped by false job offers.

In response, Kenya's mission in Moscow issued public alerts advising Kenyans visiting or residing in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy to ensure timely monitoring and consular assistance.

The government said it is working with Russian authorities to facilitate the transfer of Kenyan nationals, including those in military camps, to Kenya's mission in Moscow for repatriation.

Nairobi also stated that it remains open to strengthening bilateral relations with Russia, including talks on a labor agreement to ensure Kenyans have access to legitimate and safe employment opportunities.

Kenya is also in talks with Ukrainian authorities to secure the release and safe return of any Kenyan nationals who are allegedly being held as prisoners of war, according to the update.

The ministry advised Kenyans seeking work abroad to verify opportunities through official channels, saying citizens should “liaise with the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Labor and Social Protection to verify the authenticity of opportunities,” warning that unverified offers expose job seekers to exploitation by criminal recruitment agents.

To curb abuse, the government said it has strengthened recruitment regulations, deregistered more than 600 noncompliant agencies, and expanded oversight through the National Employment Authority and the Diaspora Placement Agency, which provides government-verified overseas job placements and pre-departure guidance at no cost.