The Foreign Affairs Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, reported on October 17 that despite efforts to facilitate repatriation, obstacles persist.
Limited flight options, high insurance costs, and the need for small-scale evacuations are hindering the process. To expedite the evacuation, Kenya has deployed a multi-agency team to Kuwait to assist the consulate and ensure the safety of its nationals.
The government is also conducting a rapid census of Kenyans in the region, as many are unregistered. Ambassadors have been tasked with identifying nationals in their respective countries, and Kenyans are advised to avoid traveling to conflict zones until the situation stabilizes.
To support the evacuation efforts, the Kenyan government has allocated 100 million shillings ($769,000) and is exploring alternative options such as sea evacuations. Nairobi has already identified 6,709 Kenyans who wish to return and has launched an appeal for registration.
The escalating violence in Lebanon since October 7 has prompted other African countries, including Nigeria and Ethiopia, to evacuate their citizens.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA