More than 1,000 Kenyans have been deceived into fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to a Kenyan intelligence report presented to parliament. The figure marks a sharp increase from the 200 reported by Kenya's foreign ministry in November, highlighting a growing recruitment operation targeting African nationals.
The majority leader of Kenya's national assembly, Kimani Ichung'wah, stated that rogue recruitment agencies and individuals continue to send Kenyan nationals to the frontline. The report, compiled by the National Intelligence Service, reveals that employment agencies target former military and police personnel, as well as civilians aged 25–50 who are desperate for work abroad.
Recruits are enticed with promises of monthly salaries of approximately 350,000 Kenyan shillings (£2,000), bonuses between 900,000 and 1.2 million shillings, and eventual Russian citizenship. The report alleges collusion between these agencies and staff from several government bodies, including immigration and criminal investigation departments, to bypass security at Nairobi's international airport. It also claims involvement from personnel at the Russian embassy in Kenya and the Kenyan embassy in Moscow to facilitate visitor visas.
Russia's embassy in Kenya has denied any involvement, describing the accusations as a dangerous propaganda campaign. However, as of February, the report recorded 39 Kenyans hospitalised, 30 repatriated, 28 missing in action, 35 in military camps, 89 on the frontline, one detained, and one who completed their contract. The report notes that due to increased interception at the airport, recruits are now travelling via Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa.
Kenya's foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, is expected to visit Russia next month to discuss what he terms the unacceptable and clandestine recruitment of Kenyan nationals. This development comes amid revelations that similar schemes have affected other African countries, with Ukraine's foreign minister noting that over 1,400 individuals from 36 African nations are fighting for Russia.
