News|Russia-Ukraine warKenya and Russia agree no Kenyans will be recruited for Ukraine warKenyan foreign minister meets Russian counterpart amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans were recruited to fight in Russia and Ukraine.
## Agreement on Recruitment of Kenyan Citizens
Agreement on Recruitment of Kenyan Citizens
The Kenyan and Russian governments have reached an agreement to cease the enlistment of Kenyan citizens to participate in military operations in Ukraine. This information was confirmed by Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Mon, Mar 16, 2026.
Current Involvement and Diplomatic Measures
According to Ukrainian sources, as of February 2026, over 1,780 individuals from 36 African nations are believed to be engaged in combat alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Kenyan intelligence reports indicate that over 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited, a figure significantly higher than previously estimated by authorities.
Foreign Minister Mudavadi stated that consular services will be arranged to provide assistance to Kenyans in need through appropriate diplomatic channels.
During the media briefing, Lavrov did not specifically address the recruitment agreement but acknowledged the Russian Defense Ministry's review of matters concerning Kenyan citizens, emphasizing that enlistment is voluntary. Minister Mudavadi highlighted the broader scope of Kenya-Russia relations beyond the context of the Ukrainian conflict.
The Kenyan and Russian governments have reached an agreement to cease the enlistment of Kenyan citizens to participate in military operations in Ukraine.
Since the onset of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been accused of recruiting foreign nationals for military purposes. Kenyan politicians have raised concerns about a network involving state officials and human trafficking syndicates facilitating the recruitment of Kenyans to fight for Russia, a practice that Nairobi aims to terminate.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a meeting with Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi in Moscow [Photo by Tatyana Makeyeva/Pool/AFP]
The agreement signifies a step towards refining the diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Russia, focusing on broader cooperation beyond military engagements in Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
