NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has evacuated 151 citizens from South Africa as it intensifies efforts to assist nationals affected by xenophobic violence and intimidation, with hundreds more seeking assistance to return home safely.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the government is undertaking a safe, orderly and timely evacuation of Kenyans in distress following escalating attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
The evacuation is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria.
Kenya, South Africa Hold Diplomatic Talks
Mudavadi said he held a telephone conversation on July 1 with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Roland Lamola, to discuss the safety of Kenyan nationals.
According to the statement, Lamola assured Kenya that the South African government continues to take the necessary measures to protect Kenyans and other foreign nationals.
The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria is working closely with South African authorities to facilitate the safe return of Kenyans who wish to leave the country.
The Kenyan government also urged South Africa to continue supporting the evacuation process while ensuring the security and welfare of Kenyans who remain in the country.
240 Kenyans Seek Government Assistance
As of July 2, 2026, a total of 240 Kenyan nationals had registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria requesting assistance.
The mission has established temporary safe havens for affected citizens, providing hotel accommodation, food, essential relief supplies and specialised support for vulnerable groups, including infants.
The Ministry said the government has also facilitated ground transportation within South Africa, emergency travel documents, humanitarian assistance and flights back to Nairobi.
More Evacuation Flights Scheduled
According to the Ministry, 151 Kenyans have already been repatriated.
On June 30, three groups arrived aboard Kenya Airways flights carrying 61, 26 and 17 passengers respectively.
A further 47 Kenyans returned on July 1, while another group of 55 citizens was expected to arrive in Nairobi later on Thursday.
The government said evacuation efforts will continue as more affected Kenyans express interest in returning home.
Government Issues Advisory
Mudavadi described the escalation of xenophobic attacks as unfortunate but expressed confidence that South African authorities would continue protecting all persons within their jurisdiction.
He noted that the majority of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans living in South Africa continue to contribute positively to the economies of both countries.
The government also urged Kenyans living abroad to comply with the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration documentation remains valid and up to date.
Kenya Thanks South Africa
The Kenyan government expressed appreciation to the South African government for its cooperation during the evacuation exercise.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries despite the ongoing security challenges.
The evacuation comes as South African authorities continue responding to anti-migrant protests that have targeted foreign nationals and businesses in several parts of the country, prompting Kenya and other African states to closely monitor the safety of their citizens.