Kenya is evacuating its citizens from South Africa following a surge in anti-foreigner tensions.
The east African nation has repatriated 151 Kenyans since Sunday, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
The ministry said the evacuation is targeting Kenyans who have expressed desire to leave following the latest unrest.
“As of 2 July 2026, a total of 240 Kenyan nationals requiring assistance have registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. In total, 151 people have been flown back home,” it said on Thursday.
The latest operation follows renewed unrest in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have reportedly faced threats, intimidation and violence, reviving fears of xenophobic attacks that have periodically erupted over the years.
Major xenophobic violence outbreaks occurred in 2008, 2015 and 2019 left dozens dead, hundreds injured and thousands displaced, with businesses owned by foreign nationals looted and destroyed.
The ministry’s data shows that about 27,000 Kenyans live in South Africa, many working in business, healthcare, academia and other professional sectors.
However, the country has repeatedly been rocked by outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals often targeted over allegations that they take jobs, commit crime and strain public services, despite repeated condemnations by South African authorities.
“The Kenya 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,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a latest press release.
MG/as/APA