Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported to parliament that over 1,000 Kenyan citizens have been recruited by the Russian army to fight in the war against Ukraine, a figure much higher than previously stated. Nairobi has condemned Russia for using its citizens as "cannon fodder."
Key points
- Recruitment involved collusion with corrupt airport and immigration officials in Nairobi, as well as employees of Russian and Kenyan embassies.
- Recruits often traveled on tourist visas, transiting through Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, or via Uganda, South Africa, and DRC to avoid checks.
- As of February 2026, 89 Kenyan recruits were on the front line, 35 were in training camps, 39 were hospitalized, and 28 were missing.
- Recruits were reportedly promised salaries up to $2,400 per month, plus bonuses up to $8,300.
- Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, is scheduled to visit Moscow next month.
Why it matters
The scale of recruitment, allegedly involving official corruption and circumventing travel controls, highlights a significant international issue regarding foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict.
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