The Government of Kenya has announced measures aimed at protecting Kenyan job seekers in foreign countries, following concerns over illicit recruitment, exploitation, and the alleged drafting of Kenyans into foreign military conflicts.

In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and safety of Kenyans seeking employment overseas, while cracking down on rogue recruitment agents who lure young people into dangerous and deceptive situations.

Moscow repatriation

One of the immediate actions taken was by the Kenyan Mission in Moscow, which issued public alerts after confirming reports of Kenyan nationals being drafted into the Russian military. The Mission advised all Kenyans travelling to or residing in the Russian Federation, Belarus, and Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy upon arrival, enabling timely monitoring, consular assistance, and protection.

The Ministry further revealed that it is engaging the Government of the Russian Federation to facilitate the movement of Kenyan nationals, including those allegedly held in military camps, to Kenya’s Mission in Moscow for onward repatriation. At the same time, Kenya is holding talks with Ukrainian authorities to secure the release and safe return of any Kenyan nationals reportedly held as prisoners of war.

Despite these challenges, the government emphasised its desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Russia in areas of mutual interest. This includes discussions on a Bilateral Labour Agreement that would ensure Kenyans access genuine, safe, and government-approved job opportunities in Russia.

‘To prevent future cases of exploitation, the government has urged young Kenyans who receive job offers abroad to verify the authenticity of such opportunities through the Ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Labour and Social Protection. This verification process is intended to protect citizens from corrupt recruitment networks that prey on desperation and unemployment,” the statement read in part.

”To further protect Kenyan job seekers, the Government has taken the following measures: Strengthening recruitment regulations: Enforce licensing, vetting, and monitoring frameworks to curb rogue agents. Mandatory registration and compliance: All local and foreign recruitment agencies must be registered and vetted by the National Employment Authority (NEA); illegal or deceptive operators face sanctions, including revocation of licenses and prosecution. Over 600 non-compliant agencies have been deregistered.”

Broader reforms

As part of broader reforms, the government has intensified recruitment regulations by enforcing stricter licensing, vetting, and monitoring of recruitment agencies. All local and foreign recruitment agencies are now required to be registered and vetted by the National Employment Authority (NEA). Illegal and deceptive operators face severe sanctions, including license revocation and prosecution. The government disclosed that over 600 non-compliant agencies have already been deregistered.

Additionally, the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA) has been strengthened to provide verified, government-sourced job opportunities abroad at no cost. The agency also offers pre-departure guidance through brochures and handbooks to promote safe migration. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, through the DPA, oversees the verification of job orders issued by private recruitment agencies to ensure compliance and authenticity.

Community outreach has also been expanded through grassroots forums such as Mashinani Engagements, where job seekers are educated on ethical recruitment standards, licensed agencies, contract verification, and safe migration procedures.

The measures are announced under the leadership of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.