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Russia Halts Recruitment of Kenyans for Military Service

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced that Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens for its military in Ukraine.
Mudavadi said over 1,000 Kenyans were lured into military service under false pretenses of civilian jobs.
During talks in Moscow, Mudavadi said Kenyans would no longer be eligible for enlistment through the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Kenyan authorities have shut down over 600 recruitment agencies involved in the schemes.
The agreement aims to protect Kenyan citizens and maintain broader diplomatic relations with Russia amid concerns across Africa about foreign recruitment in the conflict.

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Story summary

Kenya's Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced that Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Kenyan citizens for its military in Ukraine.
Mudavadi said over 1,000 Kenyans were lured into military service under false pretenses of civilian jobs.
During talks in Moscow, Mudavadi said Kenyans would no longer be eligible for enlistment through the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Kenyan authorities have shut down over 600 recruitment agencies involved in the schemes.
The agreement aims to protect Kenyan citizens and maintain broader diplomatic relations with Russia amid concerns across Africa about foreign recruitment in the conflict.