Kenya flies 151 citizens home after xenophobic unrest grips South Africa

At least 151 Kenyans have now been evacuated from South Africa after a surge in xenophobic violence left foreign nationals fearing for their safety.

The Kenyan government said the evacuation operation was launched through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in partnership with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria to ensure citizens in distress could return home safely.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed he spoke by phone on Wednesday with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who assured him that authorities were taking steps to protect Kenyans and other foreign nationals.

“The Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria is working together with the South African government to assist our nationals wishing to return home. Kenya encourages the South African government to continue supporting the evacuation process while safeguarding the welfare and security of Kenyan nationals remaining in the country,” Mudavadi said.

The government said 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission for assistance as of July 2.

Officials have been providing temporary accommodation, meals, essential relief supplies and specialised support for vulnerable groups, including infants, while the evacuation exercise continues.

So far, 151 Kenyans have returned to Nairobi on Kenya Airways flights. On June 30, three groups made up of 61, 26 and 17 people arrived back in the country, followed by another 47 on July 1.

A further 55 Kenyans are expected to arrive later on Thursday.

Mudavadi said the government had also arranged ground transport within South Africa, emergency travel documents, flights back to Kenya and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the unrest.

While expressing concern over the violence, he said he remained confident South African authorities would continue protecting Kenyans living in the country.

“The escalation of hostile acts can be unfortunate. Kenya expresses confidence in the continued protection of its nationals, alongside all other persons under South Africa’s jurisdiction. The majority of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa continue to make meaningful contributions to the prosperity of both our friendly nations,” he added.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that an estimated 27,000 Kenyans live in South Africa, with many contributing to the economies of both countries.

He also urged Kenyans living abroad to obey the laws of their host nations and ensure their immigration status remains valid.

Mudavadi thanked the South African government for its cooperation throughout the evacuation operation, saying Kenya values the longstanding friendship between the two nations and remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties.

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