Over 7,000 Kenyans remain stranded in Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reported that out of an estimated 26,000 Kenyans in Lebanon, 7,119 have registered for evacuation.
“Initially, registration was slow, but as the war escalates, we have seen an increase in numbers, and we expect that they will rise even further,” he stated.
So far, only 35 Kenyans have been repatriated, with PS Roseline Njogu indicating that another group is expected to return over the weekend. “We are facing numerous challenges due to the war, so they are coming back in batches of 5 or 7, depending on the availability of space,” she explained.
Mudavadi cautioned Kenyans against traveling to conflict zones and mentioned that plans are being developed for a mass evacuation using safer areas before relying on air transport. “We can’t estimate the cost of this operation or how long it will take, but we are exploring other means to ensure that we bring all Kenyans home,” he added.
This situation comes amid calls from the Kenya Kwanza Administration for Kenyans to seek work opportunities abroad, with PS Njogu noting that over 180,000 Kenyans have sought opportunities in the diaspora since the administration took office.
