Kenya has received firm assurances from the Russian government that no Kenyan citizens will be forcibly recruited into Russia’s security forces.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed the commitment on Tuesday following high-level bilateral talks with Russian Ambassador to Kenya, Vsevolod Tkachenko, in Nairobi.
During the meeting, the Russian Federation reiterated its official stance against the forced conscription of foreign nationals.
“I am grateful for the assurances of the Russian Federation of her policy of intolerance towards involuntary recruitment of non-nationals into their security forces,” Sing’oei stated.
This now brings relief to Kenyans in Moscow amid growing global concern over the enlistment of migrants in foreign conflicts.
The discussions between the two covered a wide range of bilateral matters, including migration, peace, and enhanced mutual cooperation.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two governments to review the current state of Kenya-Russia relations and explore ways of deepening engagement in areas of shared benefit.
Sing’oei commended Russia for its historic solidarity with Africa, particularly during the continent’s anti-colonial struggles, and for its continued support for Kenya in multilateral fora.
He also took the opportunity to reiterate Kenya’s position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for a negotiated and peaceful resolution to end the suffering of innocent civilians.
“I requested Ambassador Tkachenko to convey Kenya’s desire to see the conflict resolved through a negotiated process that brings an end to the suffering of innocent populations,” the PS added.
Another key outcome of the talks was an agreement to develop a framework for regular migration between Kenya and Russia.
Once finalised, the framework will help facilitate safe, transparent, and lawful movement of students and skilled professionals between the two nations.
Sing’oei emphasised that the welfare and safety of Kenyans abroad remain a top foreign policy priority, noting that such bilateral frameworks are essential for protecting citizens and enhancing cooperation.
The discussions also reaffirmed both countries’ mutual desire to deepen bilateral ties and pursue new areas of collaboration in trade, education, and technical training.
The meeting between Sing’oei and Ambassador Tkachenko follows another meeting with Ukraine’s new Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, who paid him a courtesy call in Nairobi.
During the meeting, the PS clarified that Kenyan nationals reportedly captured while fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war were victims of manipulation and human trafficking.
He said the government was closely following up on the matter and was engaging Ukrainian authorities to ensure that the captured Kenyans receive consular assistance and are safely repatriated back home.
“Following recent reports of Kenyan nationals captured by Ukrainian forces while on the frontline, I sought Ambassador Tokar’s support for the Kenyans to access consular assistance and for their repatriation back to the country,” he said.
The PS stated that most of the affected individuals were misled and trafficked into the conflict zones under false pretences, often lured by promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad.
“I assured him that most Kenyans involved were victims of manipulation and trafficking, and the government was doing everything possible to protect vulnerable Kenyans,” he added.
