As the Middle East plunges deeper into conflict following the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war, Kenya has begun taking significant measures to safeguard its citizens in Lebanon. The country is facing a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by rising tensions, particularly due to Lebanon’s proximity to the conflict zone. In response, Kenya’s government, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has intensified efforts to evacuate Kenyans from Lebanon, urging those in the region to register for assistance and prioritizing their safety in the face of escalating violence.
Rising Numbers of Kenyans Seeking Evacuation
Lebanon, home to approximately 26,000 Kenyans, is witnessing a growing number of individuals voluntarily registering for evacuation. Mudavadi, in his statement issued on Thursday, reported that over 7,100 Kenyans have so far signed up to be evacuated. This represents a sharp increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance compared to the initial response following the government’s earlier advisory on the situation.
The sudden surge in registrations reflects growing concerns among Kenyans residing in Lebanon, particularly as the country is dragged further into the Middle Eastern conflict. With fighting intensifying between Israel and Hamas, the violence has now drawn in neighboring Lebanon, creating fears of a larger regional war that could have dire humanitarian consequences.
Mudavadi has stressed the seriousness of the situation, imploring Kenyans in Lebanon to remain vigilant and take the government’s advice seriously. “They should not gamble, it’s not a game out there,” he emphasized, highlighting the unpredictability and dangers faced by those still in the country.
No Kenyan Casualties Reported Yet
Despite the mounting tensions and increasingly dire conditions in Lebanon, Mudavadi confirmed that no Kenyan casualties have been reported so far. This is a testament to the efforts of the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait, which, in coordination with the Honorary Consul in Lebanon, has been closely monitoring the situation. Through this partnership, Kenyans in Lebanon have been continuously informed of safety measures and evacuation plans, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for any eventualities.
The Kenyan government’s diplomatic efforts have been pivotal in maintaining the safety of its citizens. However, Mudavadi acknowledged that the evacuation process has been slow and challenging. Lebanese authorities have imposed stringent clearance requirements, and limited flight options, with only one airline currently operating flights to and from Beirut, have further complicated efforts.
Progress and Challenges in Evacuation Efforts
To address the challenges posed by Lebanon’s restrictive travel environment, the Kenyan government has dispatched a dedicated team of ten consular officers to Beirut. These officers will assist in managing the logistics of the evacuation process, working alongside local Kenyan leadership, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other foreign embassies to facilitate the safe return of Kenyans.
So far, 35 Kenyans have been repatriated, with more expected to return over the coming days. Mudavadi noted that the process has been slow, with the government able to repatriate only small batches of individuals—between five and seven at a time—due to space limitations on outbound flights.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, echoed these concerns, acknowledging that the evacuation process has been hampered by several obstacles. “We can’t estimate the cost of this operation or how long it will take, but we are exploring other means to ensure that we bring all Kenyans home, including via sea,” Njogu stated. This admission underscores the complex nature of the operation, as the Kenyan government continues to explore alternative methods to expedite the process.
The strain on Lebanon’s infrastructure, already weakened by years of economic instability and internal political struggles, further complicates the situation. With the war showing no signs of abating, Kenyan officials have expressed growing concerns about the length of time it may take to safely evacuate all of their citizens.
Government’s Call for Caution and Collaboration
In light of the ongoing crisis, Mudavadi issued a firm warning to Kenyans against traveling to countries experiencing conflict. He emphasized that the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with little hope for a swift resolution. As a result, the Kenyan government has urged its citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk regions.
Mudavadi also announced that Kenyan ambassadors across the Middle East have been instructed to conduct a swift registration exercise of all Kenyans in their respective jurisdictions. The aim of this initiative is to ascertain the exact number of Kenyans in these countries and ensure that no one is left behind in the event of future emergencies.
The Kenyan government’s efforts to protect its citizens abroad are not limited to Lebanon. In a proactive move, Kenyan embassies in neighboring countries have been called upon to engage with host governments, encouraging them to assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyans during these turbulent times. The government has also reiterated the importance of registering with Kenyan diplomatic missions, as many Kenyans abroad do not follow regular channels, making it difficult to provide timely assistance.
Psychosocial Support for Returnees
As part of the evacuation operation, the Kenyan government has also taken steps to address the mental health needs of those returning from Lebanon. Mudavadi assured the public that those who have returned have been provided with psychosocial support to help them cope with the trauma and stress associated with fleeing a war-torn country.
The provision of such support highlights the government’s commitment to not only ensuring the physical safety of its citizens but also addressing the emotional toll that such crises can have on individuals and families.
Ongoing Commitment to Evacuation
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans who wish to leave Lebanon are able to do so. He stressed that the government will continue to work with international partners, including IOM and non-governmental organizations, to facilitate a smooth and safe evacuation process.
While the challenges are significant, Mudavadi’s statement reflects the Kenyan government’s determination to see the operation through to its completion. The Kenyan diaspora plays an important role in the country’s economy, and the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the well-being of its citizens abroad are a testament to the value it places on their contributions.
Conclusion
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, Kenya’s response to the crisis in Lebanon has been swift and measured. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s update reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens, even in the face of daunting logistical challenges.
With over 7,100 Kenyans now registered for evacuation, the process will undoubtedly be complex and lengthy. However, the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and its collaboration with international partners offer hope that those trapped in Lebanon will soon be able to return to safety.
In the meantime, Mudavadi’s message is clear: the situation is not to be taken lightly, and Kenyans in conflict-ridden regions should prioritize their safety above all else. As the world watches the Middle East with growing concern, Kenya’s evacuation efforts in Lebanon serve as a reminder of the far-reaching impacts of regional conflicts and the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis.
