Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, more than 7,000 Kenyans remain stranded in Lebanon. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reported that out of the estimated 26,000 Kenyans residing in Lebanon, 7,119 have registered for evacuation as efforts to ensure their safe return are underway.
“Initially, registration was slow, but as the war escalates, we have seen an increase in numbers, and we expect that they will rise even further,” he said.
To date, only 35 Kenyans have been repatriated from Lebanon as the Israel-Hamas conflict escalates. Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu announced that another group of Kenyans is expected to return over the weekend, as efforts to evacuate those stranded continue.
“We are facing numerous challenges due to the war, so they are coming back in batches of 5 or 7, depending on the availability of space,” she explained.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned Kenyans against traveling to conflict zones, including Lebanon, amid the Israel-Hamas war. He stated that plans are underway for a mass evacuation, with authorities aiming to move citizens to safer areas before facilitating air transport for their return.
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“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,” he added.
The need to evacuate Kenyans from Lebanon comes at a time when the Kenya Kwanza Administration is actively promoting work opportunities abroad.
Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu noted that over 180,000 Kenyans have sought employment overseas since the administration took office, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of diaspora employment amid global conflicts.
