Over 1,000 Kenyans fighting for Russia in Ukraine, intelligence officials reveal

Kenya's prime intelligence agency disclosed Wednesday that over 1,000 Kenyans are currently fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine, revealing a dramatic escalation in foreign recruitment that raises new national security concerns. The National Intelligence Service provided the figures during a parliamentary briefing in Nairobi, marking a significant increase from November, when Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi informed lawmakers that approximately 200 Kenyans were involved.

Recruitment and Deception

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah urged enhanced border security and closer scrutiny of outbound travel to determine who is leaving and why. Security officials identified unlicensed recruitment agencies as primarily responsible, with some operating outside formal oversight and allegedly defrauding job seekers with false promises of security or construction work abroad. Authorities stated many recruits travel through other African countries before reaching Russia, complicating monitoring efforts.

Government Warnings

Governments across Africa and Asia have previously cautioned citizens against joining the conflict, warning of legal, diplomatic, and security consequences. Kenyan authorities have repeatedly advised citizens to verify overseas job offers and avoid recruitment schemes linked to armed conflicts. Officials say some recruits may not realize they are entering combat roles until they leave the country, hindering tracking and assistance efforts.