Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on Sunday, March 15, 2026, departed Nairobi for Moscow, Russia, for a two-day diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the plight of Kenyans reportedly recruited into the Russian military.
The visit is expected to deepen cooperation between Kenya and Russia in key sectors including education, labour mobility, health, infrastructure, and energy.
However, top on the agenda is the issue of Kenyans believed to have been recruited and deployed to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine War.
Talks with Russian Officials
During the trip, Mudavadi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
He will also meet with Russian ministers responsible for education and labour before delivering a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO).
According to a statement from his office, the visit will focus on expanding Kenya–Russia relations while also addressing emerging concerns affecting Kenyan citizens in Russia.
“Kenya acknowledges Russia’s support in advancing education through scholarships and in strengthening agricultural productivity through fertilizer assistance,” part of the statement read.
Kenyans Trapped in Military Recruitment
Mudavadi’s visit comes amid growing concern over reports that several Kenyans were recruited through clandestine networks and deployed as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine.
The government says it intends to establish a clear and transparent framework that will safeguard the welfare of Kenyans living, studying, and working in Russia.
“The Prime CS will intensify diplomatic efforts to engage directly with Russian authorities through dialogue, to prevent further risks arising from misleading recruitment or false promises of employment,” the statement said.
The Kenyan government is also seeking the safe repatriation of citizens affected by the conflict.
Officials say the discussions will include efforts to facilitate the safe return of Kenyans who may have been caught up in the war.
Intelligence Report Raises Alarm
An intelligence report submitted to Parliament last month by the National Intelligence Service revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans may have been recruited to fight for Russia.
According to the report, at least 89 Kenyans were on the front lines of the Russia–Ukraine war as of February 2026.
The report further alleged that a network of rogue recruitment agencies has been collaborating with human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the travel of recruits.
Investigators also indicated that some corrupt officials across various government departments could have been involved in enabling the recruitment process.
These included individuals linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, immigration services, anti-narcotics units, airport staff, and officials from the National Employment Authority.
Russia Denies Involvement
Russia has previously denied allegations that its officials were involved in recruiting Kenyans into the military.
The Embassy of Russia in Kenya has dismissed the claims as “dangerous and misleading,” maintaining that its staff has never been involved in rogue schemes or illegal enlistment.
Despite the denials, Kenyan authorities say they remain committed to investigating the recruitment networks and ensuring that Kenyan citizens abroad are protected.
Protecting Kenyans Abroad
Mudavadi’s office emphasised that the visit to Moscow is part of a broader government effort to protect Kenyans working and studying abroad.
“The engagement is focused on a broad coordinated government action to protect Kenyans abroad, by ensuring that they work in a safe environment and live dignified lives away from home,” the statement said.
The outcome of the talks is expected to shape future cooperation between Kenya and Russia while addressing growing concerns about the safety and welfare of Kenyan nationals in the region.
