Following the activation of evacuation plans earlier this month, the Kenyan government has confirmed the successful evacuation of 15 nationals from Iran via Türkiye. The evacuees arrived home on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after a brief delay due to operational uncertainties.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs announced the evacuation, coordinated with Kenya's missions in Ankara and Tehran. This marks the first confirmed group repatriated under the emergency protocols activated amid rising hostilities between Iran and the United States.
The operation faced a schedule change from an initial Saturday arrival, attributed to the delicate nature of the process. A multi-agency team has been monitoring the situation across Kenyan missions in the region.
The evacuations come against a backdrop of escalating conflict, including Iranian missile strikes near an Israeli nuclear facility, US President Donald Trump's 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and threats of strikes on Iranian power plants. Iran has warned of retaliatory action against US-linked energy infrastructure.
Kenyans remaining in affected areas are urged to follow guidance from Kenyan embassies, host governments, and official channels. Those in distress should contact the nearest mission or the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
