Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has firmly dismissed claims that it is involved in recruiting Kenyans to fight in foreign conflicts, including the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Speaking on Tuesday at Meru University of Science and Technology, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said it is illegal for any individual or agency to recruit Kenyans to participate in wars outside the country. She warned that the government will take decisive action against offenders, including revoking trading licences and pursuing legal charges.
“We want to be very clear: the Kenyan government does not support, facilitate or condone the recruitment of Kenyans to fight in foreign conflicts,” Njogu said. “Any agent found engaging in such activities will face the full force of the law.”
The PS cautioned job seekers to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to illegal recruiters who lure them with false promises of overseas opportunities. She urged Kenyans to verify all employment offers through the National Employment Authority (NEA) website, which lists approved and legitimate job opportunities.
Njogu further warned members of the public against joining conflicts in Ukraine or Russia, stressing that such engagements are dangerous, unlawful and unsupported by the Kenyan government.
She was speaking during the launch of a German language training programme at Meru University of Science and Technology, an initiative aimed at preparing Kenyan youths for employment opportunities in Germany. Njogu noted that German is spoken by more than 130 million people worldwide and that Germany offers approximately 4,000 job opportunities annually for both skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya.
Meru University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said the six-month intensive programme will cover German language proficiency levels A1, A2 and B1. He added that the initiative is expected to significantly enhance access to overseas jobs for young people from the Upper Eastern region, including Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Isiolo, Laikipia and Embu counties.
Prof. Odhiambo also announced that Meru University will serve as a regional assessment centre, making it easier for trainees to be evaluated locally without travelling long distances.
The programme is expected to promote labour mobility, equip youths with internationally marketable skills and open up safe, legal overseas employment opportunities for Kenyan job seekers, while protecting them from exploitation and illegal recruitment networks.
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