NAIROBI, Kenya – The Government of Kenya has issued an urgent safety advisory to its nationals residing in Israel and Iran, as full-scale military operations between the two Middle Eastern powers continue to escalate, prompting growing international concern.
In a statement released Wednesday, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs urged all Kenyan citizens currently in either country to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential movement, and stay informed through verified local sources and official alerts.
“In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs issues the following urgent advisory to all Kenyan nationals in Israel and Iran,” the statement read.
Notice concerning Kenyan diaspora in Israel and Iran. @MusaliaMudavadi @Diaspora_KE @ForeignOfficeKE @SingoeiAKorir #IranVsIsrael #Israel #Iran @KBCChannel1
Embassy Emergency Contacts Shared
The Ministry also urged Kenyan nationals to ensure their emergency preparedness, including securing essential documents, communication tools, and supplies in anticipation of any rapid developments.
The advisory included direct contacts for Kenyan embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv to assist those in distress:
- Kenya Embassy in Iran: +98 21 88667394 or +98 21 88667368
- Kenya Embassy in Israel (Tel Aviv): [Contact details not provided in original release but presumed available through official consular platforms]
Deadly Escalation: Hundreds Killed, Thousands Displaced
The advisory comes amid an alarming intensification of hostilities that began on June 13, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a sweeping aerial assault on over 100 Iranian military and nuclear sites, including facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, and Natanz.
The strikes reportedly killed at least 224 people and caused massive damage to Iran’s critical infrastructure.
Iran retaliated with “Operation True Promise III,” firing over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israeli targets, including key airfields and military installations.
The Iranian response left at least 22 Israelis dead, according to regional sources.
Regional Fallout and International Stakes
As the violence escalates, Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning that any direct military involvement in support of Israel would result in “irreparable damage.”
The conflict has also triggered mass displacement, with more than 100,000 residents fleeing Tehran after Israeli evacuation alerts were issued.
Israel, meanwhile, continues to conduct targeted strikes on what it claims are Iranian nuclear and military assets, maintaining pressure to prevent the expansion of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Kenya’s Call for Vigilance
The Kenyan government did not indicate any immediate plans to evacuate citizens but reiterated the importance of vigilance, coordination with embassies, and strict adherence to local authority directives.
“This is a rapidly evolving situation, and Kenyans in affected regions must remain alert, stay in touch with embassy officials, and be ready to act in case of emergency,” a senior official within the diaspora department said.
With the conflict now entering a dangerous phase, Nairobi joins other governments around the world in advising their nationals to prepare for potential escalation and disruptions across the region.
