KENYAN GOVERNMENT TAKES STRONG MEASURES TO REPATRIATE KENYANS TRAPPED IN RUSSIA AMID CONFLICT

The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been engaging with Russian authorities for several months to resolve the situation and facilitate the repatriation of affected Kenyans.

“The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has constructively engaged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in a bid to secure the release of the Kenyan citizens in distress and ensure their safe passage home,” Mudavadi said in the statement.

Mudavadi disclosed that recent high-level meetings between Kenyan and Russian officials have made progress, with agreements reached to release Kenyans detained in various military camps across Russia to Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Moscow. From there, the government will coordinate their transport back home.

“The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is keen on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation on the Economic framework and other areas of mutual interest,” he said, adding that both countries are negotiating a Bilateral Labour Agreement to ensure Kenyans can access “genuine job opportunities in Russia.”

Several Kenyans have already been rescued and issued emergency travel documents for their return.

“The Mission rescued several Kenyans from those held at military bases and facilitated emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return back to their families,” Mudavadi said in the statement.

The government expressed concern over unscrupulous recruitment agents who deceitfully lured Kenyan youth to Russia with false job promises, only for them to end up embroiled in military operations.

“Kenya expressed its concern that its young citizens continue to be lured by such corrupt and ruthless agents to travel to Russia and unknowingly find themselves in the Russian military operation,” the statement read.

To combat this, immigration and security agencies have been directed to increase vigilance at airports and border points to arrest those involved in illegal overseas recruitment.

Kenya’s mission in Moscow has also advised citizens traveling to Russia to register with the embassy and stay alert to potential scams.

These diplomatic efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring their safe return while strengthening bilateral relations with the Russian Federation in other areas of mutual interest

“The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is keen on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation on the Economic framework and other areas of mutual interest,” he said, adding that both countries are negotiating a Bilateral Labour Agreement to ensure Kenyans can access “genuine job opportunities in Russia.”