The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Moscow, Russia, has raised concern over rising cases of Kenyans travelling abroad through suspicious job arrangements and ending up in distress.

The warning comes as more families seek help after their relatives reportedly got stranded following promises of lucrative employment that later turned out to be misleading or false.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the embassy said it has recently received many inquiries from Kenyans who travelled to the Russian Federation after securing jobs through unverified agents and online recruiters.

“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Moscow has recently received inquiries on an increasing number of Kenyan nationals who have travelled to the Russian Federation after receiving job offers through unverified agents and online recruiters,” the statement reads.

The Embassy has received a significant number of letters from relatives, some submitted directly to the Embassy and others forwarded through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. These letters express concern over cases in which individuals were reportedly promised well-paying jobs and favourable working conditions prior to their departure. However, upon arrival, many found that the employment opportunities either did not exist or differed substantially from what had been communicated to them.

“Many of the affected individuals or their relatives have written to the Embassy directly or through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reporting that they were promised employment opportunities, high salaries, and residency arrangements which, upon arrival, did not exist or differed significantly from what had been communicated. They further indicated that in some cases, passports were withheld, movement was restricted, and the individuals became subject to conditions beyond their control and access by the Embassy for consular services,” the statement reads.

The mission explained that some Kenyans who travel through irregular or unsafe channels may face serious limitations when seeking help abroad.

“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 statement reads.

Officials further said the Kenyan government continues to assist citizens abroad where possible, but prevention remains the safest option.

“The Government of Kenya in collaboration with the host country, continues to assist affected citizens wherever access and local regulations permit. However, prevention remains the most effective protection,” the statement reads.

Embassy’s advice

The embassy also issued advice to Kenyans planning to travel for jobs, urging caution and verification before departure.

“Kenyan citizens are therefore strongly advised:

• DO NOT travel for employment arranged through social media, messaging applications, or unlicensed agencies.

• Verify all job offers through the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Kenyan diplomatic mission before departure.

• Avoid travelling on tourist visas for employment purposes.

• Inform family members that unverified travel carries significant personal risk and may limit Government assistance.

• ALL Kenyans travelling or residing in the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus or Kazakhstan to register with the Embassy,” the statement reads.

Bypassing official verification

The embassy warned that those who bypass official verification may find it difficult to receive assistance due to foreign legal processes.

“Members of the public should note that individuals who knowingly bypass government verification procedures may encounter situations where assistance options are severely constrained by local laws,” the statement reads.

Authorities said they are working with partners abroad to curb fraudulent recruitment networks targeting desperate job seekers.

“The Embassy is working with authorities in both countries to address emerging fraudulent recruitment networks and urge all those seeking jobs abroad to verify before finding themselves in circumstances beyond control,” the statement reads.

The mission emphasized that the safety of Kenyans living and working overseas remains a top priority for the government.

“The safety and welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad remains a priority of the Government of Kenya,” the statement reads.