The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that Kenyans will no longer be eligible to enlist in Russia’s Special Military Operations following an agreement with Moscow.
He also disclosed that arrangements will be made to assist Kenyans who need help or require hospital visits, ensuring they are facilitated through legally established channels.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with the Russian Minister, Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi noted that the matter had been addressed through diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Russia.
He noted that the Russian Government indicated willingness to consider repatriating the remains of the deceased, subject to the availability of direct air service between the Russia and Kenya.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs estimates that 252 Kenyans were conscripted into SMO, including former members of the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Youth Service, and Prisons Service. So far, 44 have returned home, 38 are hospitalized, 10 are reported missing or deceased, and 160 remain active.
Two Kenyans, Evans Kibet and Macharia Willis Muniu, are currently held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, with arrangements being explored for their transfer to Russia for subsequent repatriation.
Beyond consular issues the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations that have existed for the last 63 years with CS Mudavadi emphasizing that Russia was among the first countries to recognize Kenya’s independence, describing the relationship as one that Kenya is keen to deepen through renewed diplomatic engagement.
The Ministers discussed Trade and Economic Cooperation with Kenya aiming to expand exports of tea, coffee, flowers, and horticultural products to Russia, while Russia expressed interest in investing in Kenya’s 24 Special Economic Zones.
Russia imports over USD 1.5 billion worth of coffee and tea annually, yet Kenya’s exports to Russia in 2024 were only USD 46 million (3.06pc), despite Kenya producing enough coffee and tea globally (USD 1.7 billion) to meet almost the entire Russian market demand.
To deepen economic cooperation, both governments agreed to finalise Agreement on the Establishment of an Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which will provide a structured institutional framework for the advancement of the bilateral economic partnership.
On education, Mudavadi said there are 70 Kenyan students currently benefitting from education scholarships in Russia.
This even as the CS, welcomed the establishment of the African Centre for the Study of Russia at the University of Nairobi, launched in February 2026, terming it as a significant contribution to academic exchange, joint research, and mutual understanding between the two nations.
“I welcomed the establishment of the African Centre for the Study of Russia at the University of Nairobi, launched in February 2026, which has provided Russian language instruction and cultural programming to approximately three hundred (300) Kenyan students annually. I termed it as a significant contribution to academic exchange, joint research, and mutual understanding between the two nations.” Mudavadi noted.
To safeguard citizens abroad, Mudavadi further announced a nationwide sensitization programme dubbed ‘Linda Mkenya Majuu’ to educate Kenyans on safe jobs abroad and avoiding human trafficking.
“Once back at home, I will announce plans by our Ministry together with other Stakeholders to embark on a sensitization programme dubbed ‘Linda Mkenya Majuu’ a caravan across the country to educate Kenyans on how to get legitimate jobs in the Diaspora, and at the same time avoid falling prey to human trafficking and smuggling,” CS Mudavadi announced.
“The programme will also give our Ministry an opportunity to reaffirm its strong counsel to all Kenyan citizens abroad and those planning to travel out to comply fully with the laws and regulations of their host countries,” he added.
They also agreed to accelerate work on establishing a bilateral commission on economic cooperation as well as security cooperation, including possible supplies of relevant equipment.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/pcs-mudavadi-arrives-in-moscow-for-a-two-day-state-visit/
