NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan government has evacuated 86 citizens from South Africa as anti-immigrant violence escalates across parts of the country, forcing hundreds of foreign nationals to flee amid fears for their safety.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the evacuation operation was activated on Sunday through a multi-agency team after receiving distress calls from Kenyans caught up in the unrest.
The first group of 26 evacuees arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday morning, while a second group of more than 60 was expected later the same day, bringing the total number of Kenyans repatriated to 86.
“The Government of Kenya wishes to update the nation on the ongoing evacuation of Kenyan nationals from South Africa. Through a multi-agency evacuation team, the Government on Sunday activated its evacuation protocols and began moving citizens to safety,” the ministry said in a statement.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said more than 200 Kenyans had registered for government-assisted evacuation after appeals were made to citizens who felt their lives were at risk.
She revealed that more than 100 Kenyans are currently sheltering at the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria, where they are receiving accommodation and consular support as authorities coordinate their safe return home. Kenya has an estimated 27,000 citizens living and working in South Africa.
Njogu said the government was working closely with South African authorities to guarantee the safety of those awaiting evacuation and ensure secure transport to airports.
The ministry added that evacuees arriving in Kenya are receiving consular assistance, psychosocial support and help with reintegration after fleeing the violence.
It also said it would continue facilitating travel for all Kenyans wishing to leave South Africa.
The latest evacuations come as South Africa experiences renewed xenophobic unrest, with anti-immigrant demonstrations spreading across several cities.
Foreign nationals have reported attacks, intimidation and the looting of migrant-owned businesses, prompting several African governments to organise emergency evacuations for their citizens.
The Kenyan government has advised citizens remaining in South Africa to avoid protest hotspots and large public gatherings, remain indoors where possible, carry valid identification at all times and keep in close contact with the Kenya High Commission and local authorities.