US report links Russia recruitment scheme to Kenya’s trafficking concerns
Kenya’s efforts to combat human trafficking face fresh scrutiny after a United States report linked the fraudulent recruitment of more than 1,000 Kenyan men to fight for Russia with wider concerns about trafficking, recruitment agencies and alleged official complicity. The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, released by the US Department of State, said Kenyan officials […]
A new US report has raised concerns over Kenya's efforts to combat human trafficking, specifically linking alleged Russian government complicity in the fraudulent recruitment of over 1,000 Kenyan men for the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, Kenyan officials have reported collusion between recruitment agencies and Russian government officials, involving the recruitment of Kenyan men for the conflict.
Despite these allegations, Kenya has retained its Tier 2 ranking, indicating significant but insufficient efforts to eliminate trafficking. The report documented a decline in human trafficking convictions, with only six convicted in 2025 compared to 21 in 2024. However, it acknowledged increased efforts to identify victims and repatriate those exploited in forced labor operations in Southeast Asia.
The report highlighted gaps in enforcement and victim protection, and noted that the decline in prosecutions and convictions raises concerns about corruption and official complicity.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
