Kenya has said that it is supporting a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict following high-level talks between senior government officials and Ukraine’s envoy in Nairobi.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said he held talks with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, to review progress on strategic cooperation agreed between President William Ruto and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The discussions, Sing’Oei said, were guided by Kenya’s commitment to sovereignty and the principles of the United Nations Charter, amid the protracted war that has drawn global concern over security, food supply chains and geopolitical stability.
“We reviewed the progress of the strategic cooperation established between President William Ruto and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,” Sing’Oei said, adding that Kenya continues to back multilateral efforts aimed at securing global peace and safeguarding the territorial integrity of all nations.Kenya has consistently called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement since the outbreak of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, positioning itself as a supporter of international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
A key issue raised during the meeting was the fate of Kenyans reported to have been captured while fighting on the frontlines of the war.
Sing’Oei said the government expressed serious concern over Kenyans being held as prisoners of war and sought clarity on their safety and potential repatriation mechanisms.
“During our discussions, I underscored the Government’s serious concern regarding Kenyans captured on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian war and held as POWs,” he said.The talks also addressed the growing problem of fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting Kenyan nationals with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only for some to end up in conflict zones.
Sing’Oei briefed the Ukrainian envoy on measures Nairobi is taking to curb illegal recruitment and protect citizens from exploitation.
The meeting signals Nairobi’s balancing act as it maintains diplomatic engagement with both sides of the conflict while prioritising the welfare of its nationals caught up in the war.