Kenya and Russia have agreed to stop the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into Russian military operations following talks in Moscow between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Speaking during a joint press briefing on Monday 16th March 2026, Mudavadi said the two governments had reached an understanding that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted for what Russia calls its special military operations. He said any future engagement between the two countries will follow official diplomatic channels and international law. The talks also focused on the welfare of Kenyans currently in Russia. Mudavadi said the two sides are exploring a labour cooperation framework to ensure Kenyans seeking jobs in Russia do so through regulated and transparent processes.

The issue came to the spotlight after reports that some Kenyans were recruited into Russia’s war in Ukraine, with some allegedly lured by promises of civilian jobs.

A report presented to Parliament by the National Intelligence Service earlier this year indicated that more than 1,000 Kenyans may have been recruited into the Russian army. According to the report, 10 Kenyans have died, 28 are missing, 39 were hospitalized and 30 have returned home, while others are believed to still be on the front lines. Russia has maintained that foreign nationals who join its military do so voluntarily and can terminate their contracts through the Ministry of Defence.

Mudavadi said the agreement reached in Moscow is meant to address the matter diplomatically while protecting Kenyans working abroad.