Government Raises Alarm Over Deceptive Recruitment Tactics

The Kenyan government has issued a stern warning to its citizens regarding deceptive recruitment into foreign military service, specifically highlighting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This follows alarming reports of Kenyans being lured abroad under false pretenses and subsequently coerced into combat roles.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, confirmed on Tuesday, October 15, 2025, that one Kenyan national is currently in Ukrainian custody, captured while serving with Russian forces. The captured individual, now a Prisoner of War (POW), reportedly admitted to entering Russia as a tourist before being tricked into signing a military contract. Ambassador Tokar stated that the case is under official investigation and that the detainee is being treated humanely in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

Kenya's Stance on Foreign Military Enlistment

Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has acknowledged awareness of a recruitment syndicate targeting Kenyans. Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing'oei indicated that approximately 29 Kenyans are believed to be involuntarily held in Belgorod, Russia, near a Wagner Group base. While Dr. Sing'oei clarified that it is not illegal for Kenyans to voluntarily join foreign armies, he stressed that any form of deception constitutes a criminal offense.

The Kenyan government has initiated an investigation into these claims, with the MFA working through its embassy in Moscow to verify the reports and gather more information. This probe aims to address concerns about the potential trafficking of Kenyan nationals for military purposes.

International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine

For those considering voluntary enlistment, Ukraine established the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine in February 2022, a special unit within the Ukrainian Armed Forces composed entirely of foreign volunteers. This legion allows non-Ukrainians to legally participate in the military effort against the Russian invasion.

To join the International Legion, candidates must be between 18 and 60 years old, possess good health, have no criminal record, and be physically fit. While military or combat experience is an advantage, it is not always a mandatory requirement, as the Legion also seeks individuals with other valuable skills. Applicants are responsible for their legal entry into Ukraine, as the Legion does not provide assistance with visas or travel arrangements.

Global Context of Foreign Fighters

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, thousands of international fighters have joined Ukraine's armed forces. As of August 2025, volunteers from 72 countries were serving in the Ukrainian army, with approximately 40% originating from South America. The number of foreign recruits joining Ukraine's ground forces has increased significantly, from 100-150 per month at the beginning of the invasion to around 600 per month. More than 8,000 foreigners have joined units within the Ground Forces alone, with the total number across all military branches potentially being twice as high.

Several countries, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, have reported similar cases of their citizens being lured into Russian military service under false pretenses. This trend highlights the vulnerability of young people in countries with high unemployment rates to deceptive recruitment schemes.

Legal and Policy Frameworks

Kenya's foreign policy is guided by principles of non-interference in the affairs of other states, non-alignment, and peaceful settlement of disputes. As a signatory to the 1989 United Nations Convention on International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries, and the 1977 OAU Convention for the Elimination of Mercenaries in Africa, Kenya rejects and dissociates itself from any alleged mercenary presence and activities in Ukraine.

While the Kenyan Penal Code (CAP 63, Section 68) addresses foreign enlistment, specifically concerning military or naval service against a friendly state, the legality of Kenyans joining foreign armies voluntarily remains a nuanced issue. The High Court in October 2022 rejected a petition to allow Kenyans with dual citizenship to join the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), citing national security concerns and the potential for shifting allegiances in conflict situations.

Risks and Implications for Kenyans Abroad

The cases of Kenyans being deceived into fighting in Ukraine underscore significant risks for those seeking opportunities abroad. Vulnerable individuals, often driven by economic hardship, can fall prey to sophisticated online recruitment networks. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, warned Kenyan youth against deceptive promises of good wages or safe roles, stating that the reality often involves being deployed to frontlines in a war that is not their own.

What to Watch

The Kenyan government's ongoing investigation into recruitment syndicates is crucial. Kenyans abroad and their families are urged to exercise extreme caution when considering overseas job offers, especially those that appear unusually lucrative or involve opaque recruitment processes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to provide further updates on the plight of Kenyans believed to be held in Russia and any diplomatic efforts to secure their release or repatriation.

Evidence/Data Box

• International Legion Formation: Established February 27, 2022, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Foreign Volunteers: Over 8,000 foreigners have joined Ukraine's Ground Forces as of August 2025.
• Nationalities: Volunteers from 72 countries serve in the Ukrainian army.
• Kenyan Cases: At least one Kenyan captured fighting for Russia; 29 Kenyans believed to be involuntarily held in Belgorod, Russia.
• Kenyan Foreign Policy: Guided by non-interference, non-alignment, and peaceful dispute resolution.