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Kenya, Russia in talks to stop rogue agencies from duping Kenyans to fight in Ukraine War
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi says Nairobi and Moscow are working closely on a Bilateral Labour Agreement that will ensure Kenyans have access to genuine job opportunities in Russia.
Kenya and Russia are negotiating a new bilateral labour agreement. This would enable Kenyans to have safe, legal employment in the Russia as the State seeks a long-term solution for the rising cases of Kenyans being duped to joining the Russian army.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that both countries are working closely to ensure Kenyans can access genuine job opportunities in Russia. The ministry said that improved labour mobility could protect desperate youth from predatory recruiters.
“Kenya is keen on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation on economic framework and other areas of mutual interest. Both governments are working closely on a Bilateral Labour Agreement that will ensure Kenyans have access to genuine job opportunities in Russia,” Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said.
The move comes amid a troubling trend of Kenyan nationals being caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The government said it has taken note of media reports of Kenyans who are caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and is taking action to resolve the situation.
Some of the affected Kenyans were deceived with false promises of high-paying jobs in hospitality, logistics and construction. Upon arrival in Russia, they reportedly had their passports confiscated and were forced to sign enlistment contracts in Russian. Months later, they surfaced in military camps or near frontline operations in Ukraine; tired, frightened, unpaid, and unable to escape.
“We are concerned that our young citizens continue to be lured by such corrupt and ruthless agents to travel to Russia and unknowingly find themselves in the Russian military operation,” the government said.
Nairobi also said it has been working for several months to secure the safe release of those detained in Russian military camps, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealing that it has held crucial diplomatic meetings with Moscow. At a meeting held last month, Russia acknowledged the widespread problem of foreign nationals trapped in war operations due to fake recruitment channels.
“The government has constructively engaged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in a bid to secure the release of Kenyan citizens in distress and ensure their safe passage home,” Mr Mudavadi said.
Kenya’s embassy in Moscow is now trying to establish the exact number of detained citizens to enable them return home.
“The mission has rescued several Kenyans held at military bases and facilitated emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return back to the families,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Moscow, in its talks with Nairobi, acknowledged that the current situation of foreigners being duped into the Russia-Ukraine war is a challenge that “cuts across many countries” and that recruits enter “voluntary contracts” without understanding the consequences. Others are misled by impostor agents claiming to work with the Russian Government.
