The Kenyan government has announced the repatriation of 18 citizens rescued from Russian military camps during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that the individuals made distress calls, leading to their rescue and return, with reintegration programs planned. Efforts continue to assist other Kenyans still stranded there.
The Kenyan government has successfully completed the rescue and repatriation of 18 citizens recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, those rescued were issued emergency travel documents and returned safely after making distress calls.
In a statement on December 17, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that upon arrival, the Kenyans and their families would receive psychological counseling. "The 18 repatriated Kenyans, and others facing similar challenges, will undergo a reintegration programme to support their full return to normal life," Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi revealed that since the conflict's onset, recruitment into the Russian military has expanded to include Africans, with credible reports indicating more than 200 Kenyans may have been recruited. The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed cases of injuries among Kenyan nationals, and others left stranded after attempted recruitment.
The government has received multiple emails and urgent communications from Kenyans still stuck in Russia. Several have reported injuries, and others are stranded following attempted recruitment into the violent conflict. The Ministry is engaging the Russian government to facilitate the movement of stranded Kenyans, including those in military camps, to Kenya’s Mission in Moscow for repatriation.
Similarly, the government has initiated talks with Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the release and safe return of any Kenyan nationals allegedly held as prisoners of war. To protect Kenyan job seekers, the government announced enforcement of licensing, vetting, and monitoring frameworks to curb rogue agents.
"All local and foreign recruitment agencies must be registered and vetted by the National Employment Authority (NEA). Illegal or deceptive operators face sanctions, including revocation of licenses and prosecution," Mudavadi stated.
This highlights the government's efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad from international risks.
