NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has confirmed the evacuation of 15 Kenyans from Iran via Türkiye amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East, prompting Nairobi to activate emergency protocols for citizens in the region.
In a press statement issued Saturday, March 21, 2026, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs said the evacuees were expected to arrive in Kenya in the early hours of Sunday, March 22, following a coordinated operation involving multiple diplomatic missions.
“A multi-agency team has activated emergency protocols across Kenya Missions in the region. Following this, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, working with Kenya Missions in Ankara and Tehran, has facilitated the evacuation of 15 Kenyans from Iran via Türkiye,” the statement read.
The department said the operation was conducted under heightened security considerations due to the evolving situation in the region. Authorities did not disclose further logistical details, citing safety concerns.
The evacuees’ arrival time was later than initially anticipated, prompting questions from the public. In response to a query on X, the department attributed the delay to uncertainty surrounding the evacuation process.
“The change was due to uncertainty in the delicate evacuation process,” the department said, adding that officials were prioritizing the safety of those being relocated.
The government said it continues to monitor developments across the Middle East, noting that emergency response mechanisms remain active across Kenyan missions in affected countries. Officials urged Kenyans in the region to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by embassies and host governments.
The evacuation comes amid escalating hostilities involving Iran and the United States, marked by airstrikes, retaliatory threats, and warnings of further military action. The deteriorating security environment has raised concerns about civilian safety and the stability of key transport and energy corridors.
Iran recently launched missile strikes near an Israeli nuclear facility, saying one of its sites had been targeted. The move heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation.
In a statement Saturday, US President Donald Trump issued Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the United States would attack Iranian power plants if the route remained closed.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping lane for oil exports, and any disruption has immediate implications for energy markets.
Iranian state media responded by warning that Tehran would retaliate by targeting US-linked energy infrastructure in the Gulf region if its fuel and energy facilities were attacked. The exchange of threats has intensified pressure on global oil markets, with fears of supply shortages and rising prices.
Kenyan authorities advised citizens in the affected region to maintain contact with diplomatic missions and adhere strictly to official communication channels. Those facing distress were urged to contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for assistance.
Officials said contingency planning continues, including the possibility of additional evacuations if the security situation deteriorates further. The government also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Kenyan nationals abroad as diplomatic and security developments continue to unfold.
