Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Ms. Roseline K. Njogu, is in Moscow, Russia, where she is accompanying Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, on official engagement.

The Kenyan delegation secured critical assurances from the Russian government regarding the welfare of Kenyan nationals affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, while also reaffirming the broader scope of the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

The diplomatic breakthrough followed crucial bilateral consultations between H.E. Dr. Mudavadi and H.E. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. During these talks, the welfare of Kenyan citizens affected by the conflict remained a primary focus.

Reaffirming Kenya's firm legal stance, Dr. Mudavadi reiterated that Kenyans must not be enlisted into foreign armed forces. This position is in line with Section 68 of the Penal Code (Cap 63), which prohibits such enlistment. Consequently, he confirmed that Kenya has been placed on a "STOP LIST" for the recruitment of its nationals into the ongoing conflict.

The delegation including Amb. Dr. Peter Mathuki, Kenya's Ambassador to Russia, later engaged with members of the Kenyan diaspora in Russia. Dr. Mudavadi outlined the visit's objectives, highlighted Kenya-Russia bilateral relations, and addressed recruitment concerns. He assured the community that government interventions with Russian authorities have secured commitments to halt the recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian military operation.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary commended Kenyans in Russia and globally for their exemplary conduct as Kenya's leading ambassadors. He urged them to continue respecting host country laws while exemplifying the resilience, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit characteristic of Kenyans.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs remains steadfast in its mandate to protect, engage and empower Kenyans globally, ensuring that wherever they are, their rights, welfare and dignity remain a top national priority.

Kenyans in distress are encouraged to promptly reach out to the nearest Kenyan diplomatic mission, or reach the State Department for Diaspora Affairs through the 24-hour emergency Hotline: +254 207 876 000 , WhatsApp: +254 114 757 002 or Email: consular@diaspora.go.ke .