Kenya Uses Airline Travel Records to Disrupt Recruitment of Citizens into Russian Military

Kenya is using airline travel records to investigate and disrupt networks recruiting its citizens into the Russian military, a move that has already led to the rescue and repatriation of 18 nationals.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the government is analysing detailed travel data from the rescued individuals, including departure dates, transit routes and airlines used. He said this information is helping authorities identify those facilitating the recruitment and trace the pathways used to move Kenyans abroad under false job offers.

Officials say the review of airline records has revealed recurring travel patterns, such as specific carriers and stopover locations, indicating the presence of organised syndicates operating in Kenya and Russia. Investigators believe this approach will strengthen ongoing efforts to dismantle the networks responsible for exploiting vulnerable citizens.

The government has warned that the number of affected Kenyans is likely much higher than those already rescued. Intelligence assessments suggest that more than 200 Kenyans may have been drawn into the recruitment schemes. Kenya’s embassy in Moscow has reported that some individuals were injured, while others were abandoned after refusing to join military operations.

Mudavadi said the government continues to receive urgent communications from Kenyans held in military camps in Russia. He confirmed that distress emails and calls have been sent to Kenyan authorities, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. In response, the government has advised Kenyans in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with Kenyan diplomatic missions to allow for timely support.

The authorities are also focusing on rehabilitation for those who return. Rescued individuals are being provided with counselling and social assistance to support their recovery and reintegration. Mudavadi said a specialised unit is offering psychosocial care to returnees, their families and other Kenyans facing distress abroad.

Kenya is engaging Russian authorities through diplomatic channels to secure the release of citizens still held in military facilities and to arrange their transfer to the Kenyan mission for repatriation.