A Kenyan family recently held a memorial service for their son, Charles Wangari, who was killed fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine on Christmas Day, though his body could not be recovered. Wangari is one of over 200 Kenyans estimated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have been deceptively recruited to fight for Russia since 2022.

• At least 18 Kenyans have been confirmed dead on the frontlines, with many more feared killed or missing, according to civil society groups like Vocal Africa.
• Recruitment agents in Nairobi lured job seekers with promises of high-paying civilian jobs in Russia, some offering up to $18,000 (approximately Ksh2.3 million) monthly.
• Upon arrival, recruits have their passports confiscated and are forced to sign military contracts in Russian under threat, as discovered in recent February 2026 government investigations.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has warned potential investors against participating in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO) due to an ongoing legal challenge scheduled for hearing on February 19. Cofek argues the privatisation process faces strong legal hurdles, despite KPC's aggressive marketing to raise billions from Kenyan investors.

• Cofek warns the IPO is subject to a legal challenge to be determined on February 19, 2026, urging extreme discretion on advertisements.

• The Kenyan government is selling 11.81 billion shares, representing 65 per cent of KPC, at Ksh9 each, aiming to raise Ksh106.3 billion.

• Cofek's concerns include potential irregularities in regional investor allocation, where local elites might pose as Ugandan investors to secure preferential share access, a concern echoed by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro.

Kenyans are being warned against unauthorized call recordings after a significant ruling by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). Recording someone's voice without their consent is a criminal offense, and this ruling highlights the serious legal and financial consequences, including substantial compensation.

• A person whose voice was recorded without consent was compensated KSh 700,000.
• The ODPC ruled that voice and call recordings qualify as personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
• The ruling stemmed from a complaint where a former employee's recorded phone call, despite his objection, was later used in a separate legal process, violating principles of consent, purpose limitation, and the right to erasure.

The Sultanate of Oman has issued a strong warning to Kenyans against using unofficial channels for employment, following numerous cases of Kenyans being stranded after being defrauded by fake agents. Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Kenya, stated that tourist visas cannot be used for employment.

• Over 3,000 Kenyans have reportedly been left in distress in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon since 2023.
• The Kenyan government has closed over 100 recruitment agencies involved in fraudulent activities.
• Employment visas for Oman require sponsorship from a licensed Omani employer, processed through the Ministry of Labour and the Royal Oman Police.