The Kenyan government and the Russian Federation have agreed that Kenyan nationals will no longer be enlisted in Russia’s Special Military Operations in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
This agreement was reached during formal bilateral consultations between Kenya’s Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The talks, held amid Mudavadi’s official visit to Russia from March 15 to 18, focused on a range of bilateral issues but centrally addressed the situation of Kenyans reportedly recruited into the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
“I further reaffirmed Kenya’s legal position that Kenyans should not be enlisted into foreign armed forces, in line with Section 68 of the Penal Code (Cap 63), which prohibits such enlistment without written authority from the President of Kenya. Consequently, Kenya has been placed on a STOP LIST for the recruitment of its nationals into the ongoing conflict,” said Mudavadi on X
Termination of Contracts of Kenyans Enlisted
During the discussions, Foreign Minister Lavrov clarified Russia’s position on the enlistment of foreign nationals into its Special Military Operations.
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Lavrov emphasized that the engagement of Kenyans was voluntary, stating that Moscow has begun terminating all related contracts.
The Russian top envoy also addressed allegations surrounding recruitment practices that have circulated in the media and diplomatic circles. Lavrov rejected claims that President Vladimir Putin had issued a decree to conscript soldiers from the Global South, including African countries.
Lavrov also dismissed allegations that Kenyan women were recruited to work in a drive firm in “Allubaga,” describing those reports as unfounded.
Consular Access and Repatriation Arrangements
The bilateral talks also covered the welfare of Kenyans caught up on the front lines of the conflict.
Mudavadi, secured commitments from Moscow to facilitate consular assistance for Kenyans injured or detained in association with Russia’s military operations.
According to Mudavadi, the Russian Federation agreed to facilitate consular access to Kenyan nationals in hospitals and other civilian facilities, to support the repatriation of the injured and the dignified return of the remains of those who have lost their lives.
The statement further confirmed that Russia will:
- Disengage Kenyans currently in the operations who are unwilling to continue their service.
- Expedite applicable compensation processes through diplomatic channels for the injured and deceased.
- Put Kenya on a “STOP LIST” to prevent further enlistment of its nationals in military service, in line with Kenyan law under Section 68 of the Penal Code, which outlaws’ enlistment in foreign armed forces without authorization from the President.
- Begin information sharing between the Government of Kenya and the Russian Federation to combat human trafficking and smuggling linked to recruitment.
Also Read: CS Mutua Reveals How Kenyans Are Being Smuggled to Fight for Russia
Bilateral Talks on Trade and Cooperation with Moscow
Beyond the security and consular issues, Mudavadi and Lavrov discussed broader bilateral cooperation between Nairobi and Moscow.
The Cabinet Secretary said the two countries agreed to enhance investment partnerships, expand educational scholarships, pursue air service agreements, and develop tourism ties.
Discussions also touched on expanding energy capacity, with commitments toward nuclear energy cooperation.
In his statement, Mudavadi also emphasized Kenya’s commitment in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Russia, building on existing education exchange programs and market access opportunities for Kenyan exports.
