The Kenyan government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran begins to take hold.
According to Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the first group of evacuees from Iran arrived at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning.
“Grateful for the multi-agency team here in Nairobi working tirelessly to get our nationals home, and especially grateful to our embassy teams in Tehran and Ankara,” Njogu posted on X.
The Kenyan government had earlier urged its nationals in Israel and Iran to register for evacuation as the conflict between the two countries intensified.
“For your safety, and to ensure we can assist you promptly in case of any emergency or distress, we kindly ask you to register your details with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Thousands of foreign nationals have already left the region since the conflict erupted last week, when Israel launched surprise missile strikes on Iran. Days of attacks and counterattacks have led to the closure of airspace, severely disrupting commercial flights and leaving many unable to enter or exit the region.
Some governments have resorted to evacuating their citizens by road through neighbouring countries where airports remain operational.
Iran has warned that American involvement in the conflict would be “very dangerous” as Israel continues to target high-ranking commanders.
Kenya had earlier issued a security advisory to its citizens in the affected areas, urging them to exercise extreme caution, limit movement, and remain informed as the situation continues to evolve.
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