Kenya and Russia Reach Agreement to Halt Recruitment of Kenyans for Ukraine War. Nairobi, Kenya — March 16, 2026 Kenya and Russia have agreed to cease the recruitment of Kenyan citizens to participate in the conflict in Ukraine, according to Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over the involvement of African nationals in the war, with over 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces.
The agreement was announced following talks between Mudavadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. He emphasized the broader scope of the Kenya-Russia relationship beyond the conflict in Ukraine.
The Kenyan government has previously expressed its disapproval of the recruitment practices, with reports suggesting that over 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight on Russia’s side.
A Kenyan intelligence report, presented to lawmakers in February, revealed the scale of the issue, indicating a fivefold increase in the number of Kenyans involved compared to previous estimates. Festus Omwamba, a Kenyan man, was arrested in February for his role in a scheme that lured Kenyans to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses. This case highlighted the role of human trafficking syndicates in facilitating the recruitment of Kenyans for the war.
While Lavrov did not mention the agreement in his public remarks, he acknowledged the concerns raised by Kenya and said the Russian Defence Ministry was investigating cases that had caused “concern among our Kenyan friends.”He also stated that enlistment was voluntary, with Kenyan citizens signing contracts to fight alongside the Russian army.
The situation has drawn international attention, with some African countries expressing concerns about the recruitment of their citizens in foreign conflicts.
The agreement between Kenya and Russia is seen as a significant step in addressing these concerns. Further details on the implementation of the agreement and the fate of Kenyans already involved in the conflict are expected to be released in the coming days.
The Kenyan government has vowed to provide consular services for Kenyans in need of assistance through proper diplomatic channels.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
