Govt advises Kenyans against travelling to Middle East amid escalating conflict

The government has issued a travel advisory, urging Kenyans to avoid travelling to the Middle East due to the escalating conflict in Lebanon and Palestine.

Musalia Mudavadi, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary, conveyed this warning during a meeting with the National Assembly's Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs Committee, which MP Nelson Koech chaired on Thursday.

According to Mudavadi, the situation in Lebanon has worsened, putting approximately 26,000 Kenyans living and working in the region at risk. He emphasised the government’s concern about the potential for a broader conflict if international calls for a ceasefire go unheeded.

“The government would like to discourage Kenyans from travelling to countries that are experiencing conflict or turmoil," said CS Mudavadi. "We have asked all Kenyan ambassadors in the region to conduct swift registration of Kenyans in their jurisdictions.”

Mudavadi reports that the government has already initiated evacuation efforts, successfully reuniting 30 Kenyans with their families back home. He stated that 7,119 Kenyans have already registered for evacuation, with an additional 35 expected to arrive over the weekend as part of the fourth and fifth batches.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi when he appeared before the Senate plenary on October 9, 2024: (Photo: X/Musalia Mudavadi)

“We are expecting the fourth and fifth batch of Kenyans from Lebanon to arrive this weekend,” the CS said.

The evacuation process has been complicated by strict requirements from Lebanese authorities and limited transportation options.

Currently, only one airline operates flights to Beirut, the Lebanese capital. In response, the government is exploring alternative evacuation methods, including sea routes, to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

“The airspace is not safe in this area, and the options are very limited,"  Mudavadi noted. "We are also looking at other available options, including sea evacuation so that we can get more Kenyans out safely.”

Despite the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas in Palestine and the involvement of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the government confirmed that no Kenyan has been reported killed or injured.

Mudavadi also highlighted the financial burden of repatriating Kenyans, urging MPs to support the government's efforts in managing the costs.