The scars on Victor’s forearm remind him constantly of the day a Ukrainian drone attacked him after he was forcibly conscripted, like hundreds of young Kenyans, into the Russian army. It was a war that had nothing to do with him and which he was exceptionally lucky to survive. Four Kenyans -- Victor, Mark, Erik and Moses -- recounted to AFP the web of deception that took them to the killing fields of Ukraine. Their names have been changed for fear of reprisals. It began with promises of well-paying jobs in Russia from a Nairobi recruitment agency. Victor, 28, was supposed to be a salesman. Mark, 32, and Moses, 27, were told they would be security guards. Erik, 37, thought he had a ticket to high-end sports. They were all to be paid between $1,000 and $3,000 a month -- a fortune in Kenya where jobs are scarce and the government encourages emigration to boost remittances. Victor, Mark, Erik and Moses were included in WhatsApp groups where fellow Kenyans reassured them in Swahili that they were heading for good salaries and exciting new lives. Instead, Victor’s first day was in an abandoned house three hours outside Saint-Petersburg. The next day, he was taken to a Russian military base where soldiers presented him with a contract in Russian that he could not read. “They told us: ‘If you don’t sign, you’re dead’,” Victor told AFP, showing his Russian military service record and combat medallion.

Hellen Obiri set a womenâ€s course record to win the New York City Marathon on Sunday while her fellow Kenyan, Benson Kipruto, won the menâ€s race by edging Alexander Mutiso by less than a second. Obiri, who also won the race in 2023, finished in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 51 seconds. Obiri was running with 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi until she pulled away from her countrymate in the final mile,…

Unique Journey: Kenyans Embrace Jamaica’s Vibrant Culture In the heart of the Caribbean, where rhythmic beats and vibrant colors intertwine, lies a unique story of cultural fusion—Kenyans thriving in Jamaica’s spirited landscape. This rich tapestry of experiences reveals how these courageous individuals navigate the intersection of their heritage and the lively Jamaican culture. From savoring…

Kenyans Face Lifetime Ban from USA Over Visa Fraud In a troubling turn of events, Kenyans face the alarming prospect of a lifetime visa ban from the United States, a development that could reshape countless lives and futures. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued the stern warning: anyone found committing visa fraud would effectively eliminate their chances of traveling…

Bob Mwiti: The Man Helping Kenyans Study Abroad In a rapidly changing world, the pursuit of education has never been more vital, and for many Kenyans, the dream of studying in America is becoming a tangible reality, thanks to the visionary efforts of Bob Mwiti. As a dedicated advocate for educational access, Mwiti is breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunities that empower young Kenyans…