Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi successfully negotiated a comprehensive agreement with Russia on Monday regarding Kenyans caught in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Following high-level talks in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Mudavadi announced that both nations have agreed on a safe repatriation process for Kenyan citizens currently involved in Russian military operations.
Crucially, the deal includes compensation for those injured and the families of those who have died and a halt to all future recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military.
“We have now agreed that Kenyans shall not be enlisted in the Department of Defense, and they will no longer be eligible for enlisting in the military here in Russia,” Mudavadi stated.
Lavrov had maintained that past recruits signed military contracts voluntarily and must follow Ministry of Defense procedures to terminate them.
“All Kenyans, as well as other nationals who signed contracts, did it voluntarily. The contracts did not have any provision for repatriation. When the contracts are effective, they can terminate this contract, but this is done under the Ministry of Defense,” said Lavrov.
Mudavadi supported the Russian minister’s position, noting that Kenya intends to handle the situation through diplomatic channels. He also pointed out that it is against Kenyan law for citizens to enlist in foreign military services.
“Some of these Kenyans did not disclose their intentions. In our laws, it is also illegal to do these things,” said Mudavadi.
The agreement also establishes consular support for hospitalized Kenyans and a new labor migration pact to ensure future employment opportunities are transparent and safe.
The Russian minister also noted that Nairobi and Moscow have signed a labor migration agreement to establish a structured and routine process for employment.
“Russia does not decide to recruit; people join voluntarily. No one can prevent their citizens from looking for jobs if they want to look for jobs. We don’t target Africa specifically. We have citizens from Asia and other countries,” said Lavrov.
Mudavadi added that the government is organizing consular support to help Kenyans currently in Russian hospitals.
“The consular services will also be arranged for Kenyans who are in hospital so that they can be assisted according to the law,” he said.
According to Mudavadi, Kenya wants to ensure its diplomatic ties with Moscow remain independent of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War. He stated that the government prefers not to view its partnership with Russia from the perspective of special operations.
Mudavadi confirmed that the government is collaborating with Russian authorities to facilitate the return of Kenyans who want to come home.
“As we resolve the concerns of Kenyan families, I believe we have now found a common ground to ensure no further enlisting,” he said.
