Govt reiterates warning as job scam cases surge in Russia
By Faith Lagat, February 15, 2026The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Moscow, has issued a renewed advisory cautioning Kenyans against travelling to the Russian Federation for employment through informal recruitment channels, citing rising cases of exploitation and restricted consular access.
The February 5, 2026, advisory was reshared on February 15, 2026, by Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, as a reminder to citizens considering job opportunities in Russia.
The notice highlights reports from Kenyans and their relatives who said they were promised employment, high salaries and residency arrangements that did not materialise upon arrival.
Advisory reminder shared
According to the embassy, some affected individuals reported that their passports were withheld, their movement restricted, and that they became subject to conditions beyond their control, limiting the mission’s ability to provide consular services.
“The Embassy wishes to inform the public that where individuals have travelled through irregular, unsafe, unverified and informal channels, consular access and intervention may be limited or delayed. Immediate extraction or repatriation may also be challenging for contractual disputes, restricted location or legal processes under the laws and administrative procedures of the host country,” the notice read in part.
The advisory states that where individuals travel through irregular, unsafe or unverified channels, consular intervention may be limited or delayed due to local laws and administrative procedures.
The embassy urged Kenyans to avoid employment offers arranged through social media, messaging applications or unlicensed agencies, and to verify all opportunities through the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Kenyan diplomatic mission before departure.
It also warned against travelling on tourist visas for employment purposes.
Risks and limitations highlighted
The notice emphasises that individuals who knowingly bypass government verification procedures may encounter situations where assistance options are severely constrained.
It further advised all Kenyans travelling to or residing in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the embassy to facilitate support where necessary.
The government said it continues to collaborate with authorities in the host country to assist affected citizens wherever access and local regulations permit, while stressing that prevention remains the most effective protection.
Broader recruitment concerns
The advisory comes amid heightened concern over reports of Kenyan nationals being lured abroad with false job promises, with some accounts linking the situation to the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine.
Authorities have previously warned that no licensed Kenyan agency is authorised to recruit citizens for military-related roles overseas.