Kenya has moved to reassure families and the public that more than 500,000 of its citizens living and working across the Middle East remain a top concern for the government as fighting in the region continues. Authorities say close monitoring is ongoing while emergency response plans, evacuation arrangements, and support services for Kenyans abroad have already been put in place.
In a statement dated March 6, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs said it is keeping constant communication with diplomatic missions and Kenyan nationals across the affected countries to ensure their safety.
“The deeply destabilizing conflict in the Middle East is a matter of grave concern to Kenya,”Foreign CS Musalia Mudavadi said in the statement.
Officials noted that a large number of Kenyans currently reside in various Middle Eastern nations for employment, education, and other personal commitments. Protecting these citizens, the ministry said, remains at the center of government action during the ongoing crisis.
“Amidst this conflict, the Government wishes to assure the public that the safety and well-being of the more than 500,000 Kenyan nationals residing and working in the Middle East remains a matter of top priority,” the statement said.
The government also confirmed that no Kenyan citizen has been harmed since the conflict began. Authorities said seven days into the situation, no reports of injuries or fatalities involving Kenyans have been received.
“No casualties or injuries involving Kenyan nationals have been reported seven days into the conflict,” the statement said.
Despite growing tension in the region, the ministry indicated that many Kenyans continue with their daily responsibilities depending on local security conditions. Some have continued working or studying either physically or through remote arrangements.
“Gratefully, most Kenyan nationals in the region continue with their daily activities, whether for work, study, or personal matters, either in person or remotely, depending on prevailing local circumstances,” the ministry said.
For those who may wish to leave the affected countries, the government has advised them to arrange travel through available commercial channels where conditions allow safe movement.
“Kenyan citizens who wish to depart the region are advised, where feasible and safe, to make appropriate arrangements through available commercial airlines or licensed travel agents,” the statement said.
At the same time, Kenya’s national airline has begun assisting citizens who want to return home. Kenya Airways has already started repatriation efforts using air routes that have been cleared as safe.
“The Government is pleased that our national carrier, Kenya Airways, has begun to take advantage of the safe air corridors negotiated with concerned authorities to repatriate Kenyans stranded in the region,” the ministry said.
Beyond the welfare of citizens, authorities also acknowledged that the situation could affect Kenya’s business ties with Middle Eastern markets. Exports such as fresh produce and other goods that spoil quickly may face challenges due to disruptions in transport.
To address this, the ministry said it is working closely with Kenya Airways and other airlines to keep cargo movement running and support exporters.
“The Ministry is working closely with Kenya Airways and other carriers to facilitate cargo flights and secure special permits for the export of perishable products,” the ministry said.
Members of the Kenyan business community who rely on trade with the Middle East have been asked to remain patient as the government works to maintain cargo operations during the crisis.
Meanwhile, Kenyan embassies and consulates across the region continue to monitor the welfare of citizens and the safety of diplomatic facilities. Officials in Nairobi say they are receiving frequent updates from these missions.
“The Ministry's leadership remains in close contact with the 7 Missions and 2 Consulates-General across the region and is receiving regular updates on the welfare of Kenyan nationals and the security of our diplomatic personnel and facilities,” the statement said.
The government also confirmed that all Kenyan missions in the region have activated emergency measures in case the security situation worsens.
“All Missions in the region have activated emergency and contingency response mechanisms, including evacuation plans should the situation deteriorate,” the ministry said.
Kenyans living in the affected countries have been urged to stay connected with the nearest embassy or consulate and to formally register their presence with diplomatic officials. Authorities say this will make it easier to offer assistance if needed.
Embassies have also opened emergency helplines to assist citizens who may require support. In addition, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is running a round the clock diaspora support centre to offer information and help to Kenyans abroad.
On the diplomatic front, Kenya also voiced concern about the widening nature of the conflict and the possible threats to important facilities in the region.
“Kenya continues to express deep concern regarding the expansion of the conflict theatre and the targeting of maritime, energy and other infrastructure,” the statement said.
The government further urged the parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions through dialogue.
“In line with our longstanding commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes, Kenya calls upon all parties to the conflict to de-escalate and return to diplomatic negotiations in a spirit of constructive dialogue and compromise,” the ministry said.
Authorities said the government will continue tracking developments closely while taking all necessary steps to safeguard Kenyan citizens and protect national interests.
“The Government will continue to monitor developments closely, take appropriate measures to safeguard its nationals and national interests, and provide updates as necessary,” the statement said.
