Why gov't may have difficulties rescuing Kenyans stranded in Russia – Embassy

An unconfirmed number of Kenyans have died on the battlefield, fighting for Russian forces. A number of those who escaped the battlefield are yet to be reunited with their families.

The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has admitted to receiving numerous requests to repatriate Kenyans who were lured into jobs in Russia and, as a result, recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to the Moscow consulate, a number of the said Kenyans travelled to Russia after receiving job offers through unverified agents and online recruiters.

The Embassy has received written submissions that the affected persons “were promised employment opportunities, high salaries, and residency arrangements which, upon arrival, did not exist or differed significantly from what had been communicated.” In some cases, passports have been withheld and movement restricted.

The Embassy, however, says it has experienced challenges in helping Kenyan nationals in similar conditions due to limited access to consular services.

According to the foreign affairs department, the Moscow consulate will assist Kenyans where access and local regulations permit. Kenyans in situations that do not permit access might experience delays in returning home.

“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,” said the Kenyan Embassy in a statement dated February 5, 2026.

The Embassy has further warned Kenyans against falling for promising job offers made through illegal agencies and channels.

For those who travel through illegal channels, government assistance may be limited.

“DO NOT travel for employment arranged through social media, messaging applications, or unlicensed agencies,” warned the Embassy.

Kenyans are asked to verify job offers with the respective ministries, and refrain from using a tourist visa for employment purposes.

The Embassy said it is working with authorities in Kenya and Russia to address emerging fraudulent recruitment networks and urged all those seeking for jobs abroad to verify before finding themselves in circumstances beyond control.