Government moves to stop recruitment of Kenyans as mercenaries

The Cabinet has approved Kenya's accession to two international anti-mercenary treaties in a move aimed at curbing the recruitment of Kenyans into foreign conflicts and strengthening the fight against human trafficking.

The decision clears the way for Kenya to accede to the 1989 United Nations Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries and the 1977 OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism in Africa, while also introducing amendments to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act and related legislation.

According to a dispatch from President William Ruto’s cabinet, the reforms are intended to close legal loopholes that have enabled criminal networks to recruit Kenyans for dangerous assignments abroad under false pretences.

The move comes amid growing concern over reports that more than 500 Kenyan nationals have been recruited to serve as mercenaries in the Russian military fighting in Ukraine.

Cabinet noted that weaknesses in the current legal framework have allowed unscrupulous recruitment agencies to deceive job seekers into accepting high-risk overseas engagements.

The proposed legal amendments will also target trafficking syndicates accused of sending Kenyans to countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, where victims have reportedly been subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of criminal exploitation.

Although Kenya is already a signatory to the 1977 OAU Convention, it has not formally acceded to the 1989 UN Mercenaries Convention.

The government said accession to both treaties will strengthen Kenya's legal framework by enhancing its ability to investigate, prosecute or extradite individuals involved in mercenary activities and related offences.

Cabinet also said the move reinforces Kenya's long-standing foreign policy principles of non-interference, non-alignment and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

The memorandum further warns that the continued recruitment of Kenyans into mercenary operations risks damaging the country's standing in international peace and security forums.

According to the government, joining the two conventions will provide Kenya with a stronger legal and diplomatic basis to reject claims that it supports or tolerates mercenary activities while enhancing international cooperation in combating the crime.

To reinforce protection for vulnerable families, Cabinet adopted the Kenya Children Policy, 2025, approved the Protection Against Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and endorsed the Report of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to strengthen survivor support, improve coordination and enhance protection for women, children and vulnerable families.