Addressing the media on Wednesday, Mudavadi said the government had received numerous inquiries from families seeking information about relatives allegedly involved in the ongoing war.
He noted that preliminary intelligence and diplomatic reports suggest that a growing number of Kenyans—some with prior experience in the country’s disciplined services—may have been lured into joining the Russian armed forces.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” said Mudavadi.
“Reports suggest that over two hundred Kenyans may have joined the Russian military, with some being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” said Mudavadi.
“Recruitment exercises in Russia have reportedly expanded to include African nationals, among them Kenyans.”
The CS explained that intelligence gathered by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs indicates that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia.
The CS explained that intelligence gathered by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs indicates that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia.
These networks allegedly target unemployed youth with promises of lucrative overseas employment or training opportunities.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, Mudavadi said, has been handling distress calls from several nationals stranded in Russia or neighbouring territories after being deceived by fraudulent agents.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, Mudavadi said, has been handling distress calls from several nationals stranded in Russia or neighbouring territories after being deceived by fraudulent agents.
Some of the Kenyans have sustained injuries while attempting to enlist in the conflict zones.
He cited a September 24, 2025, multi-agency security raid in Athi River, where 21 Kenyan nationals were found housed in a compound awaiting transport to Russia.
“One agent was arrested for coordinating the processing of Kenyan recruits under the guise of overseas jobs,” said Mudavadi.
He cited a September 24, 2025, multi-agency security raid in Athi River, where 21 Kenyan nationals were found housed in a compound awaiting transport to Russia.
“One agent was arrested for coordinating the processing of Kenyan recruits under the guise of overseas jobs,” said Mudavadi.
“The suspect is currently facing charges in court for luring unsuspecting Kenyans to fight in the war.”
Mudavadi revealed that the fraudulent recruitment agencies often promise recruits payments of up to $18,000 (Ksh.2.7 million), which purportedly covers visas, travel, and accommodation.
Mudavadi revealed that the fraudulent recruitment agencies often promise recruits payments of up to $18,000 (Ksh.2.7 million), which purportedly covers visas, travel, and accommodation.
However, most victims are reportedly misled about the nature of the work they are expected to perform once in Russia.
“Unfortunately, those who have been rescued have told us that they were misled about the jobs they would be doing,” the CS said.
“Unfortunately, those who have been rescued have told us that they were misled about the jobs they would be doing,” the CS said.
“Some were told they would be assembling drones, painting, or handling chemicals—but without any training or protective gear.”
He described the revelations as “deeply worrying,” urging Kenyans to be cautious and to verify all employment opportunities abroad through legitimate government channels.
Mudavadi emphasized that the Kenyan government is stepping up efforts to counter human trafficking and illegal military recruitment schemes targeting citizens.
He described the revelations as “deeply worrying,” urging Kenyans to be cautious and to verify all employment opportunities abroad through legitimate government channels.
Mudavadi emphasized that the Kenyan government is stepping up efforts to counter human trafficking and illegal military recruitment schemes targeting citizens.
He urged jobseekers to use only accredited employment agencies vetted by the Ministry of Labour and the National Employment Authority (NEA).
“To mitigate this, we encourage all Kenyans seeking work abroad to do so through agencies vetted by the Ministry of Labour and registered under the National Employment Authority,” Mudavadi said.
He explained that the NEA plays a central role in ensuring safe and transparent labour migration. Its mandate includes vetting recruitment firms, providing pre-departure training, enforcing ethical standards, and intervening in cases involving worker abuse or repatriation.
The CS further stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with security agencies to dismantle recruitment rings and to provide assistance to Kenyans stranded overseas.
“To mitigate this, we encourage all Kenyans seeking work abroad to do so through agencies vetted by the Ministry of Labour and registered under the National Employment Authority,” Mudavadi said.
He explained that the NEA plays a central role in ensuring safe and transparent labour migration. Its mandate includes vetting recruitment firms, providing pre-departure training, enforcing ethical standards, and intervening in cases involving worker abuse or repatriation.
The CS further stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with security agencies to dismantle recruitment rings and to provide assistance to Kenyans stranded overseas.
He assured families that efforts were ongoing to identify affected individuals and bring them home safely.
Analysts warn that the issue underscores growing exploitation of African nationals in foreign conflicts.
Analysts warn that the issue underscores growing exploitation of African nationals in foreign conflicts.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has drawn recruits from multiple countries, often through misleading employment schemes.
Diplomatic observers have urged African governments to strengthen monitoring of overseas job advertisements and to raise public awareness about the dangers of unauthorized recruitment.
“This is not just a Kenyan issue—it’s a continental concern,” one senior foreign-policy analyst told Citizen Digital.
Diplomatic observers have urged African governments to strengthen monitoring of overseas job advertisements and to raise public awareness about the dangers of unauthorized recruitment.
“This is not just a Kenyan issue—it’s a continental concern,” one senior foreign-policy analyst told Citizen Digital.
“Many young Africans are falling prey to false promises of wealth abroad, only to find themselves in combat zones.”
Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens working abroad and warned against engaging with unlicensed brokers or online recruiters.
“We must guard our brothers and sisters against exploitation,” he said.
Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens working abroad and warned against engaging with unlicensed brokers or online recruiters.
“We must guard our brothers and sisters against exploitation,” he said.
“The government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all Kenyans who seek opportunities overseas do so safely, legally, and with dignity.”
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