Following its initial safety advisory last week, Kenya has activated evacuation plans and secured travel arrangements for over 500,000 nationals in the Middle East, where conflict has escalated without reported Kenyan casualties after seven days. The government is coordinating with Kenya Airways for repatriation from affected areas.
Building on the advisory issued on March 2 urging caution in countries including Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs emphasized on Friday that the safety of more than 500,000 Kenyan nationals in the region is a top priority.
Kenyans wishing to leave are advised to use commercial airlines or licensed agents where safe. Kenya Airways is utilizing negotiated safe air corridors for repatriation of stranded citizens. The government maintains constant contact with Kenya’s 7 missions and 2 consulates-general, receiving welfare updates.
All missions have activated emergency evacuation mechanisms should conditions worsen. Nationals are urged to stay vigilant, contact embassies, follow host government guidance, and register for assistance.
The conflict disrupts Kenyan exports of produce to the region; discussions continue for cargo flights and permits. Affected businesses are asked to be patient.
This aligns with actions by other nations like the U.S., advising immediate departure from most Middle East countries.
