The Kenyan government has responded to remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy raised concerns about foreign nationals fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.
He made the remarks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. The Ukrainian president named Kenya among 47 countries whose citizens were involved in the conflict.
Warning Against Foreign Recruitment
The Kenyan government has expressed serious concern over the reports. It also maintains that Kenya supports peaceful conflict resolution.
Furthermore, the government discourages Kenyans from joining foreign military conflicts. The statement comes amid reports of deceptive recruitment targeting Kenyan job seekers.
Some Kenyans have reportedly travelled abroad after receiving promises of civilian employment. However, some later found themselves involved in military activities. Earlier reports have documented cases involving Kenyans recruited into Russia’s military.
Government Intensifies Monitoring
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is now working with security agencies. The agencies are monitoring suspected illegal recruitment networks.
The government says these networks operate both inside Kenya and abroad. Officials are also investigating the scale of the recruitment.
The Senate is conducting an inquiry into the issue. Senior government officials are cooperating with the committee. They include the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Labour Cabinet Secretary and Attorney-General.
Kenya Seeks Safe Return of Citizens
The government says it is using diplomatic channels to assist affected Kenyans. Officials are seeking consular access to nationals in the conflict zone.
They also want affected citizens to disengage and return home safely. Additionally, the government has urged families to report missing relatives.
Families with relatives who are wounded or detained can seek consular assistance. The government says this information will help officials locate affected citizens.
Warning Over Overseas Job Offers
Kenyans have also been warned about suspicious overseas employment opportunities. The government specifically highlighted lucrative security and technical jobs in Eastern Europe.
Such offers could allegedly conceal military recruitment arrangements. Therefore, job seekers have been urged to verify employment opportunities carefully.
Kenya says the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad remain a priority. Meanwhile, authorities continue working to establish the scale of recruitment. The government also says it will pursue measures to protect affected Kenyans.
