Mudavadi’s Moscow Visit Raises Hope For Kenyans Lured Into Russia-Ukraine War

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Fresh hope has emerged for thousands of Kenyans reportedly caught up in the Russia–Ukraine conflict as Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi travels to Moscow for high-level diplomatic talks.

The visit comes amid growing concern over Kenyan nationals believed to have been lured to Russia with promises of employment but later reportedly finding themselves entangled in military recruitment linked to the ongoing war.

Mudavadi departed for Moscow on Sunday for a two-day diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening Kenya–Russia relations while also addressing the welfare and safety of Kenyan nationals living, studying or working in Russia.

The talks are expected to cover cooperation in key sectors including education, labour mobility, health, infrastructure and energy, as the two countries seek to deepen diplomatic and economic ties.

Kenya has acknowledged Russia’s support in advancing education through scholarship opportunities and boosting agricultural productivity through fertilizer assistance that has benefited local farmers.

“There exists a great potential for the export of Kenyan coffee, tea, and floriculture to the Russian market, especially at a time of the Middle East turbulence and beyond,” said Jacob Ng’etich, Director, Press Service in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

During the visit, the Prime Cabinet Secretary is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior officials responsible for education and labour.

The Kenyan government says the discussions will also seek to establish clearer frameworks to safeguard the welfare of Kenyan nationals residing in Russia and ensure their rights are protected.

Particular attention will be given to cases involving Kenyans who may have been voluntarily or involuntarily drafted into the Russian military following misleading recruitment offers.

Officials say Mudavadi will intensify diplomatic engagement with Russian authorities to address the issue through dialogue and prevent further risks linked to deceptive employment promises.

To safeguard Kenyans affected by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the government will also push for mechanisms that facilitate the safe repatriation of affected nationals back to the country.

“The engagement is focused on a broad coordinated government action to protect Kenyans abroad, by ensuring that they work in a safe working environment and live dignified lives away from home,” said Ng’etich.

Mudavadi will also deliver a public lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he is expected to outline Kenya’s foreign policy priorities and highlight opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Officials say the visit reflects Nairobi’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen international partnerships while ensuring stronger protection systems for Kenyan citizens seeking opportunities abroad.