Kenyan authorities have successfully repatriated 18 nationals who were in Russia, following distress calls reporting attempts to recruit them to fight in Ukraine.
The repatriation operation was carried out through intensive diplomatic and consular coordination, including the issuance of emergency travel documents.
In a statement, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the returnees have arrived in Nairobi and will be enrolled in a reintegration programme. The ministry also disclosed information suggesting that more than 200 other Kenyans may have been recruited through networks operating in both Kenya and Russia, confirming that some Kenyan nationals have sustained injuries.
The government said it is currently in talks with both Russian and Ukrainian authorities to facilitate the return of any Kenyan citizens still held in camps or detained as prisoners of war.
While warning young people against suspicious overseas job offers, Nairobi reaffirmed its intention to continue developing relations with Moscow, including negotiations on a labour agreement aimed at providing safe and regulated employment opportunities for Kenyans.
