More than a thousand Kenyans recruited into Russian army

More than a thousand Kenyan citizens recruited into Russian army for war against Ukraine

The National Intelligence Service of Kenya has stated that the Russian army has recruited more than a thousand Kenyan citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine. The report was presented to the Kenyan parliament.

Details of the intelligence report

According to the report, as of February 2026 at least 89 Kenyans were directly on the front line. At the same time, the Kenyan government has previously reported that since the beginning of the full-scale war, approximately 200 citizens of the country.

The document also states:

• 35 people were sent to military training camps in Russia;

• 39 people were injured;

• 28 people are considered missing.

The fate of the rest of the recruits is not reported in the report.

Recruitment schemes and possible actors involved

Kenyan intelligence claims that recruitment agencies acted in collusion with employees:

• airports in Kenya;

• of the immigration service;

• of law enforcement agencies.

This allowed for the unimpeded transfer of recruits to Russia.

The report also mentions possible involvement of diplomatic missions - the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow to the recruitment process.

The Russian side had previously denied involvement in the recruitment of foreigners for military operations in Ukraine. She did not respond to journalists' request for a new report.

Financial promises to new recruits

According to intelligence, potential fighters were promised:

• up to Kshs 350 thousand per month (approximately USD 2.4 thousand);

• bonuses up to 1.2 million shillings (over USD 8 thousand).

After tightening controls at Nairobi airport, the departure routes were changed: recruits were transferred through South Africa, Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

Position of the Kenyan authorities

The Kenyan authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The country's Foreign Minister had previously reported on cooperation with the Russian side to stop illegal recruitment activities.

Context.

Russia is actively engaging foreign mercenaries to the war against Ukraine, using financial incentives and intermediary networks in Africa and Asia. Similar cases have already been recorded among citizens of Nepal, Syria and other countries.