Kenyans recruited to serve in the Russian military will not be immediately repatriated back home despite pleas from their families. 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that Kenya and Russia have reached a formal understanding to end the recruitment of Kenyan nationals into Russian military service, including special military operations in Ukraine.

“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” said Mudavadi.

Speaking in Moscow on March 16, 2026, after high-level talks with Russian Foreign Ministry officials,Mudavadi stated that both governments agreed Kenyans will no longer be enlisted or recruited into what he described as the “Soviet army” framework—referring to current Russian forces.

The agreement follows months of concern over hundreds of young Kenyans lured abroad with false promises of civilian jobs, only to be deployed to combat zones, with some killed or wounded. Mudavadi emphasised that the deal includes commitments to halt misleading recruitment by third-party agencies, facilitate the repatriation of affected citizens still in Russia, and strengthen consular protections for Kenyans abroad. Russian counterparts reportedly assured cooperation on investigations and safe returns.

“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily. The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate this contract, but this is done under the Ministry of Defence,” said Lavrov.

The bilateral understanding provides relief to families, curbs human trafficking-like recruitment schemes, and eases diplomatic tensions while highlighting the need for stricter regulation of overseas job offers targeting Kenyan youth.