Some of these recruits were reportedly former members of Kenya’s disciplined services, and concerns over their welfare have prompted government intervention.
Speaking during a press briefing on November 12, 2025, Mudavadi highlighted the ongoing risk posed by active recruitment networks operating both in Kenya and Russia.
Speaking during a press briefing on November 12, 2025, Mudavadi highlighted the ongoing risk posed by active recruitment networks operating both in Kenya and Russia.
He disclosed that some nationals have been injured or stranded while attempting to join the conflict.
“Reports suggest that over 200 Kenyans may have joined this adventure or misadventure, with some of them being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Mudavadi said.
“Reports suggest that over 200 Kenyans may have joined this adventure or misadventure, with some of them being former members of Kenya’s disciplined services,” Mudavadi said.
“The Kenyan embassy in Moscow has reported injuries among nationals and others stranded after attempting recruitment in the war efforts.”
Mudavadi cited a September 2025 raid in Athi River, where security agencies discovered 21 Kenyans awaiting deployment to the conflict. One agent was arrested for coordinating recruitment under the guise of overseas jobs.
According to the prime CS, the individuals had been promised up to KSh 2.3 million covering visas, travel, and accommodation.
Mudavadi cited a September 2025 raid in Athi River, where security agencies discovered 21 Kenyans awaiting deployment to the conflict. One agent was arrested for coordinating recruitment under the guise of overseas jobs.
According to the prime CS, the individuals had been promised up to KSh 2.3 million covering visas, travel, and accommodation.
However, many were misled about the nature of the work, which included assembling drones, handling chemicals, and painting, often without proper training or protective gear.
“Kenyans must be vigilant and protect their relatives from such exploitation,” Mudavadi emphasized. He urged job seekers to rely on vetted recruitment agencies and the National Employment Agency (NEA), which regulates overseas employment, ensures pre-departure training, and safeguards workers’ welfare.
Mudavadi also raised concerns about Kenyans previously trafficked to Southeast Asia who had received cybercrime training while held in scam operations.
“Kenyans must be vigilant and protect their relatives from such exploitation,” Mudavadi emphasized. He urged job seekers to rely on vetted recruitment agencies and the National Employment Agency (NEA), which regulates overseas employment, ensures pre-departure training, and safeguards workers’ welfare.
Mudavadi also raised concerns about Kenyans previously trafficked to Southeast Asia who had received cybercrime training while held in scam operations.
Some rescued individuals have reportedly rejoined illegal networks, raising national security risks.
“A major concern is that rescued individuals now trained in cybercrime pose a national risk by potentially establishing scam operations in Kenya upon their return,” he said.
Mudavadi cited a case in Thailand where a man, repatriated in March 2025, illegally returned to work for a Chinese-owned scam company in Myanmar using fake documents.
“A major concern is that rescued individuals now trained in cybercrime pose a national risk by potentially establishing scam operations in Kenya upon their return,” he said.
Mudavadi cited a case in Thailand where a man, repatriated in March 2025, illegally returned to work for a Chinese-owned scam company in Myanmar using fake documents.
The CS warned that returnees with cyber skills could be exploited by organized criminal groups within Kenya.
Since July 2022, the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok has rescued and repatriated approximately 500 citizens, while 126 remain stranded, with others reportedly held by militias.
Since July 2022, the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok has rescued and repatriated approximately 500 citizens, while 126 remain stranded, with others reportedly held by militias.
The government has increased diplomatic presence in Southeast Asia, including a new embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, to better monitor and protect nationals abroad.
Mudavadi called on Kenyans to verify overseas employment opportunities through official channels to avoid exploitation.
Mudavadi called on Kenyans to verify overseas employment opportunities through official channels to avoid exploitation.
He also stressed the importance of government awareness campaigns, stronger legal frameworks, and comprehensive reintegration programs for returnees.
“We must ensure Kenyans are aware of the dangers of illegal recruitment and human trafficking,” Mudavadi said.
“We must ensure Kenyans are aware of the dangers of illegal recruitment and human trafficking,” Mudavadi said.
“Proper channels exist to safeguard citizens seeking work abroad.”
The Kenyan government continues to coordinate with foreign embassies and law enforcement agencies to curb illegal recruitment and prevent nationals from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
The Kenyan government continues to coordinate with foreign embassies and law enforcement agencies to curb illegal recruitment and prevent nationals from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
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