Several Kenyan families are in distress, awaiting the return of relatives who were misled into joining the Russian military.
An unspecified number of Kenyans have lost their lives on the battlefield while fighting for Russian forces. Those who managed to escape the conflict zone remain separated from their families.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has acknowledged receiving multiple requests to repatriate Kenyans who were enticed to Russia with job offers and subsequently recruited for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to the Moscow consulate, various Kenyans traveled to Russia after accepting job offers from unverified agents and online recruiters.
The Embassy has documented accounts indicating that the affected individuals “were promised employment opportunities, high salaries, and residency arrangements which, upon arrival, did not exist or differed significantly from what had been communicated.” In some instances, passports have been confiscated and movement restricted.
However, the Embassy reports facing difficulties in assisting Kenyan nationals in similar situations due to limited access to consular services.
The foreign affairs department states that the Moscow consulate will help Kenyans where access and local regulations permit. Kenyans in inaccessible situations may experience delays in returning home.
“The Embassy wishes to inform the public that where individuals have travelled through irregular, unsafe, unverified and informal channels, consular access and intervention may be limited or delayed. Immediate extraction or repatriation may also be challenging for contractual disputes, restricted location or legal processes under the laws and administrative procedures of the host country,” stated the Kenyan Embassy in a communication dated February 5, 2026.
The Embassy has further cautioned Kenyans against accepting appealing job offers made through unauthorized agencies and channels.
For those who travel through unauthorized channels, government assistance may be limited.
“DO NOT travel for employment arranged through social media, messaging applications, or unlicensed agencies,” warned the Embassy.
Kenyans are advised to verify job offers with the relevant ministries and avoid using tourist visas for employment purposes.
The Embassy indicated it is collaborating with authorities in Kenya and Russia to combat fraudulent recruitment networks and urged all those seeking employment abroad to verify opportunities before finding themselves in uncontrollable circumstances.