Kenya Evacuates 151 Citizens From South Africa As More Returnees Expected
News Updated: 02 July 2026 23:16 EAT
Photo courtesy: Kenyans who returned home from South Africa
The Kenyan government has evacuated 151 citizens from South Africa following a wave of anti-migrant unrest that has left many foreign nationals fearing for their safety. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, said the evacuation exercise is being coordinated through Kenya's High Commission in Pretoria in collaboration with relevant South African authorities.
Mudavadi said the return operation has been conducted in phases using commercial flights. On June 30, three groups comprising 61, 26 and 17 Kenyans arrived safely in Nairobi. A further 47 evacuees landed on July 1, bringing the total number of returnees to 151.
The Cabinet Secretary announced that another 55 Kenyans were expected to arrive in the country on Thursday as the government continues efforts to assist citizens affected by the unrest. The latest arrivals would significantly reduce the number of stranded Kenyans seeking government intervention.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, 240 Kenyans had formally sought assistance from the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria by July 2. The ministry said it continues to receive requests from citizens requiring support as the security situation remains volatile in some parts of South Africa.
The Kenyan High Commission has been providing temporary shelter, meals, transport, emergency travel documentation and humanitarian assistance to affected nationals while facilitating their safe return home. Special attention has also been given to vulnerable groups, including children and families.
Mudavadi said he had held discussions with South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who assured Kenya that the South African government is taking steps to protect all foreign nationals and restore order in the affected areas.
The Kenyan government has welcomed South Africa's cooperation during the evacuation exercise and expressed confidence that authorities there will continue safeguarding the lives and property of Kenyans who remain in the country.
Kenya estimates that approximately 27,000 of its citizens live and work in South Africa, making it one of the largest Kenyan diaspora communities on the African continent. Many are employed in business, education, healthcare, hospitality and other professional sectors.
The latest evacuations follow anti-migrant protests in parts of South Africa that have heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals. Authorities have responded with increased security deployments as they seek to contain the unrest.
Mudavadi urged Kenyans residing abroad to remain law-abiding and comply fully with the laws and immigration requirements of their host countries. He also encouraged citizens to maintain valid travel and residency documents and stay in contact with Kenyan diplomatic missions whenever they require assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said it will continue monitoring developments in South Africa and remains committed to providing consular support to Kenyans affected by the ongoing situation while coordinating with South African authorities to ensure their safety.
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FELIX MAKONA
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