The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has urged Kenyans living in or travelling through Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to register with the mission amid growing safety concerns.
In a consular notice issued on Friday, September 4, the Embassy said the registration would help it identify Kenyans in the three countries and provide timely assistance to those facing emergencies or other challenges.
The mission asked Kenyans in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan, including those transiting through the countries, to share their details through its website, email, social media platforms or telephone.
“The Embassy is open and available to the Kenyan diaspora to access consular services when they are in distress or require any other services, clarifications or necessary assistance,” the mission stated.
The Embassy also encouraged Kenyans to remain in regular contact with the mission to receive important updates and access consular support whenever necessary.
It provided two emergency telephone numbers for Kenyans requiring urgent assistance: +7 (968) 014 84 32 and +7 (968) 014 84 33.
The directive comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the safety of Kenyans in the three countries, particularly Russia, where the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has created additional risks.
The registration is also expected to help the government establish the number of Kenyans in the affected countries and strengthen efforts to prevent citizens from being recruited into the Russian military or falling victim to fraudulent job offers.
In recent months, some Kenyans have reportedly been lured to Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan by unverified recruiters and informal agents promising lucrative employment, residency and secure living conditions.
Some of those who travelled through such arrangements have ended up stranded, injured or unable to return home, prompting Kenyan authorities to intervene.
The government has also received distress calls from Kenyans who said they had been taken to military camps, sustained combat-related injuries or lacked the resources to escape.
