Kenya wary of fraudulent job offers linked to Russia-Ukraine war

from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya Kenya Bureau NAIROBI , (CAJ News) – KENYA has repatriated 62 of its nationals who had reportedly been lured into the Russia-Ukraine conflict by false promises of employment. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, confirmed the repatriation while addressing a recent session of Parliament. “No Kenyan should be lured into a foreign conflict through false promises of employment. Protecting our people, wherever they are, remains our priority,” he said. Mudavadi said diplomatic engagement with Russia in March had secured Kenya’s inclusion on the “Stop List”, aimed at preventing further recruitment of Kenyans into the conflict. He said the government continued working with relevant authorities and the International Committee of the Red Cross to safeguard the welfare, release and safe return of those affected, including five Kenyans whom he disclosed were being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. “Beyond repatriation, we are strengthening safeguards against fraudulent overseas job offers and deceptive recruitment, particularly targeting our young people seeking opportunities abroad. Every Kenyan life matters. Wherever our citizens are, we will continue working to protect their rights, safety and dignity.” Kenya is listed as one of the African countries worst affected by these dubious recruitment schemes linked to the Russia-Ukraine war, alongside Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria. – CAJ News