At least 151 Kenyans have been flown home from South Africa after a fresh wave of xenophobic violence left many foreign nationals fearing for their safety, the Kenyan government has said.
The evacuation, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria, comes as authorities respond to growing concerns over attacks and intimidation directed at migrants in parts of South Africa.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government had moved swiftly to help Kenyans who asked to return home.
“Our mission in Pretoria is working closely with the South African government to assist our nationals wishing to return home,” Mudavadi said in a statement on Thursday. He added that Kenya had launched “a safe, orderly and timely evacuation” for citizens affected by the unrest.
Mudavadi said he spoke by telephone on Wednesday with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who assured him that the government was taking steps to protect Kenyans and other foreign nationals living in the country.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission for assistance by July 2. The mission has been providing temporary accommodation, meals, emergency supplies and specialised support for vulnerable groups, including infants.
The first evacuation flights brought home 104 Kenyans on June 30 in three separate groups of 61, 26 and 17 passengers. A further 47 arrived in Nairobi on July 1, bringing the total number of returnees to 151. Government officials said another 55 Kenyans were expected back later on Thursday.
Beyond arranging flights, Kenya says it has covered ground transport within South Africa, issued emergency travel documents and provided humanitarian assistance to those caught up in the violence.
While expressing concern over the latest attacks, Mudavadi voiced confidence that South African authorities would continue to protect foreign nationals.
“The escalation of hostile acts is unfortunate,” he said. “Kenya expresses confidence in the continued protection of its nationals, alongside all other persons under South Africa’s jurisdiction.”
He noted that an estimated 27,000 Kenyans live in South Africa, with most continuing to contribute to the economies of both countries despite the recent unrest.
Mudavadi also urged Kenyans living abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration documents remain valid.
He thanked the South African government for cooperating with the evacuation effort, saying Kenya values its longstanding relationship with Pretoria and remains committed to strengthening ties between the two nations.
The latest operation highlights the risks faced by migrant communities during periods of unrest, while underscoring the challenge for governments seeking to protect their citizens overseas when violence flares unexpectedly.
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