NAIROBI, KENYA — April 2, 2026 — At least 16 Kenyans have been reported missing in Russia after joining the country’s military, raising fresh concerns over the recruitment of foreign nationals into the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, told a Senate committee that the number of missing individuals had risen sharply from 10 to 16 within 24 hours. Authorities say it remains unclear whether the missing individuals are dead or alive.
The disclosure comes amid growing scrutiny of Kenyans participating in the war linked to the Russia-Ukraine War. According to Mudavadi, approximately 165 Kenyans are currently engaged in military operations, while more than 250 have been involved in the conflict overall.
He further revealed that 47 Kenyans have since returned home from the front lines, while 38 others are receiving treatment in Russian hospitals under restricted access. Additionally, two Kenyans are reportedly being held by Ukrainian forces as prisoners of war.
The minister stated that many of those recruited had signed contracts to serve in roles ranging from logistics to active combat. He noted that most recruits joined voluntarily, despite concerns over misleading recruitment tactics.
“Contrary to prevailing reports, the majority of Kenyans enlisted with full knowledge and willingly,” Mudavadi told lawmakers.
However, lucrative financial incentives are believed to have played a key role in attracting recruits. These reportedly included signing bonuses ranging from $11,500 to $23,000, monthly salaries of up to $2,700, and promises of citizenship and end-of-contract gratuities.
Investigations have also pointed to recruitment networks operating across Kenya and abroad. Authorities say agencies in multiple countries, including Russia and the Middle East, may have facilitated the enlistment process.
The Kenyan government has since launched a crackdown, closing over 600 agencies suspected of luring citizens with false job promises. Families of those believed to be involved in the conflict have staged protests in Nairobi, demanding urgent government intervention and the safe return of their relatives.
In a diplomatic effort to address the issue, Mudavadi recently met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. Following the talks, both countries agreed to halt further recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the Russian military.
Despite the agreement, authorities say monitoring efforts are ongoing to safeguard citizens and prevent further exploitation.
