Kenyan Embassy Issues Urgent Warning to Citizens in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has issued an urgent appeal to Kenyans living in, travelling to or transiting through Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the mission amid growing concerns over the safety and welfare of Kenyan nationals.
The Embassy said registration would enable it to identify Kenyans in the three countries and provide assistance more effectively to citizens who find themselves in distress or require urgent consular support.
In a consular notice dated Friday, September 4, the mission urged Kenyans in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan to notify the Embassy through its website, email, social media platforms or telephone.
“The Embassy also wishes to take this opportunity to continue encouraging the Kenyan diaspora in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan or those travelling/transiting through these accredited countries to register/notify the Embassy through the website, email, social media or via telephone provided,” the mission stated.
The Embassy added that it remained available to Kenyans requiring consular services, clarification or emergency assistance.
“The Embassy is open and available to the Kenyan diaspora to access consular services when they are in distress or require any other services, clarifications or necessary assistance,” it said.
The mission provided two emergency telephone numbers for Kenyans requiring urgent help: +7 (968) 014 84 32 and +7 (968) 014 84 33.
The latest appeal comes against the backdrop of growing concern over the plight of Kenyans who have travelled to Russia after being promised employment opportunities, with some later ending up in military service.
289 Kenyans recruited into Russian military
The warning comes months after the Kenyan government disclosed disturbing figures concerning citizens who had become involved in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said in July 2026 that 289 Kenyans had at one point been recruited into the Russian military.
According to government figures cited by Njogu, only 64 had returned to Kenya, while 69 were either confirmed dead or missing in action. Another 153 were believed to be in military camps, on the front line or their whereabouts remained unknown.
Njogu said the figures had been compiled from information provided by families and Kenyans who had enlisted.
“Because it is a war, it is expected that lives will be lost. Armed conflict means people are dying,” the PS said.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of recruitment networks targeting Kenyans seeking employment abroad.
Kenya-Russia agreement to halt recruitment
The Kenyan government has previously said it reached an understanding with Russia to stop the recruitment of Kenyan citizens into Russian military operations.
In March 2026, then Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya and Russia had agreed that Kenyans would no longer be enlisted through Russia’s Defence Ministry for military operations.
“We have agreed that Kenyans will no longer be enlisted for special operations through the Defence Ministry,” Mudavadi said.
The agreement followed diplomatic discussions between Kenyan and Russian officials over the welfare of Kenyans caught up in the conflict.
The Kenyan government has also warned citizens seeking employment abroad to exercise caution and use legitimate migration and recruitment channels.
Families left waiting for answers
For families whose relatives travelled to Russia believing they had secured civilian employment, the issue has become increasingly painful.
Some Kenyans have reportedly found themselves in military camps or on the battlefield after travelling abroad following recruitment offers.
The Kenyan Embassy’s latest registration appeal could therefore provide authorities with a clearer picture of the number of citizens currently in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, while giving officials a mechanism for contacting Kenyans should an emergency arise.
The mission’s appeal also comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, with the risks faced by foreign nationals caught up in the conflict remaining a major concern.
Kenyans travelling to or residing in the three countries have consequently been urged to maintain contact with the Embassy and seek official assistance whenever they encounter difficulties.
The Embassy’s message is particularly significant for Kenyans travelling in search of employment, as the government continues efforts to prevent citizens from being deceived by fraudulent recruitment schemes or becoming entangled in foreign military operations.
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