Kenya and Russia are formalizing a framework for regular migration to protect Kenyan nationals from exploitation, particularly concerning irregular conscriptions into the Russian military. This follows bilateral talks between Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei and Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko in Nairobi.

• Kenya’s move aims to prevent citizens from being irregularly conscripted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a growing concern with multiple repatriations already.
• The Russian government has assured Nairobi of its zero-tolerance policy towards involuntary recruitment of foreign nationals, despite reports of Kenyans fighting for Russia.
• Kenya has launched an inquiry into human trafficking networks promising lucrative jobs in Russia but funnelling individuals into military service, with a recruitment ring already busted in Athi River.