Kenya has opened diplomatic talks with Russia to secure the release and safe return of its citizens caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a statement on Monday, October 27, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said Nairobi had been engaging Moscow for months to assist Kenyans stranded or detained in the conflict.

“The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the difficulties of dealing with this matter, which involves victims of various nationalities held for military operations,” Mudavadi said.

Watch: Kenya opens talks with Russia over citizens trapped in Ukraine war

“The affected persons enter voluntary contracts with recruiters. The situation is complicated by agents who pretend to work with the Russian Government and use false information to lure Kenyans into the battlefield.”

Mudavadi added that the Kenyan mission in Moscow is working to determine the number of Kenyans detained in military bases, asserting that several citizens have already been rescued, with emergency travel documents issued to ensure their safe return.

“The governments of Kenya and Russia have agreed that those held without their consent should be released to our mission in Moscow immediately,” he said.

Officials from both countries held a high-level meeting in September to agree on measures for the safe transfer of affected citizens to Kenya’s embassy in Moscow. From there, Nairobi would arrange their return home.

“The embassy will continue to contact others and facilitate those who manage to leave the camps and wish to return home.”

Kenya tightens border controls

The government has also directed immigration and security agencies to tighten border controls and prevent illegal recruitment.

Mudavadi warned Kenyans travelling to Russia and surrounding regions to remain vigilant, register with the Kenyan mission, and access consular services when needed.

The recent crisis follows reports of several Kenyan nationals trafficked to Russia and held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

One high-profile case involved Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old athlete, who pleaded with Ukrainian forces not to send him back to Russia. Kibet had been tricked into joining the Russian military under the pretext of employment.

Another Kenyan reported that he was promised a job driving and assisting in camps, only to find himself on the front line.

The man, with a hidden name, and three others had their phones and passports confiscated upon arrival. They later escaped with help from the Kenyan embassy.

Concerns over Kenyans being drawn into the conflict further escalated in September when the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled a trafficking ring in Athi River.

The syndicate was luring job seekers with promises of high-paying work in Russia, only to send them to fight in Ukraine. During the operation, authorities rescued 22 Kenyans who were awaiting processing to travel.

Mudavadi said the government is committed to protecting its citizens from exploitation and human trafficking while strengthening bilateral relations with Russia in economic and labour agreements.

These measures aim to provide genuine job opportunities for Kenyans abroad and prevent them from falling prey to unscrupulous recruiters.