Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant diplomatic development, Kenya and Russia are working to formalize a migration framework aimed at safeguarding Kenyan nationals from exploitation, particularly concerning irregular conscriptions into the Russian military. This initiative follows bilateral talks held in Nairobi on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, between Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei and Russian Ambassador to Kenya, Vsevolod Tkachenko.

The agreement seeks to create structured, transparent, and legal pathways for labor mobility, thereby protecting citizens from predatory schemes that exploit economic vulnerabilities.

Context of Migration and Conscription Concerns

The formalization efforts come amidst growing concerns over the irregular conscription of Kenyan citizens into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Several Kenyans have reportedly been lured to Russia under false pretenses, promised lucrative jobs, only to find themselves coerced into military service. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that at least three Kenyans irregularly conscripted into the Russian army have been repatriated, with a third one on the way home as of October 2, 2025. Reports indicate that at least four Kenyans have been captured while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.

In response to these concerns, the Russian Federation has assured Kenya of its policy of zero tolerance toward the involuntary recruitment of foreign nationals into its security forces. The Kenyan government has launched an inquiry into the circumstances leading to these irregular conscriptions, with authorities in Athi River having busted a recruitment ring in September that allegedly trafficked over 20 Kenyans under false pretenses.

Policy and Governance

The proposed migration framework is expected to align with Kenya's new Diaspora Policy, which prioritizes the welfare, rights, and interests of Kenyans abroad. It will mandate job contracts in both English and Russian, ensure consular access for all Kenyan migrants, and establish clear mechanisms for labor dispute resolution. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei emphasized Kenya's commitment to peaceful diplomacy, urging Moscow to pursue a negotiated settlement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has been actively involved, seizing recruitment materials and travel documents during raids on suspected trafficking networks. Victims have reported paying deposits for visas, travel, and accommodation, only to discover they were being funneled towards military service. The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow, led by Ambassador Peter Mathuki, has been instrumental in rescuing and repatriating affected citizens.

Evidence and Data

In 2023, Russia exported approximately US$270 million (Ksh 40.5 billion) worth of goods to Kenya, primarily wheat, while Kenya exported goods valued at about US$124 million (Ksh 18.6 billion), mainly tea, cut flowers, and tropical fruits. Bilateral trade between the two nations increased by approximately 23% year-on-year in 2023. In June 2025, a group of 50 Kenyan workers departed for Russia for employment in a food packing factory, with a reported monthly salary of KSh 115,000, free accommodation, and meals.

Risks and Implications

The irregular recruitment schemes highlight the severe vulnerability of educated but unemployed youth in Kenya, who are susceptible to fraudulent online advertisements promising lucrative overseas jobs. The lack of clear legal migration pathways has exacerbated this problem, with victims often having their identification documents confiscated upon arrival and being presented with limited choices.

Somalia's Swahili Initiative

Meanwhile, Somalia has announced plans to accelerate the introduction of Swahili into its school and university curriculum to strengthen its integration into the East African Community (EAC). President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged Somali universities to champion the teaching and use of Swahili, which is an official language of both the EAC and the African Union, spoken by over 200 million people. Somalia joined the EAC in 2024 as its eighth member.

What to Watch

The implementation of the Kenya-Russia migration framework will be crucial in determining its effectiveness in protecting Kenyan nationals. Key indicators will include a measurable reduction in illegal migration and guaranteed consular access for Kenyan embassy staff to citizens in Russia. Additionally, a substantial public awareness campaign is vital to educate young job seekers about the dangers of unregulated recruiters and to promote legitimate migration channels. For Somalia, the successful integration of Swahili into its education system will be a key step in deepening its ties within the EAC.