European Union States Agree to Admit Kenyans Fleeing Ukraine Following Russia Invasion

European Union (EU) member states neighboring Ukraine have agreed to admit Kenyans fleeing the country following Russia’s invasion.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. Macharia Kamau successfully negotiated with the EU States on Friday to open their borders to Kenyans fleeing Ukraine.

There are 201 Kenyans currently in Ukraine, with 18 of them being permanent residents while the rest are students at various learning institutions in the Eastern European nation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

“Kenyans have been advised to make an assessment as to their circumstances and to take necessary precaution and/or make arrangements to leave as they deem fit in light of their own circumstances,” the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The ministry says all Kenyans in Ukraine have been accounted for but some are finding it difficult to seek refuge in Poland due to Visa restrictions at various border points. 

In an earlier statement, the government advised Kenyans living and studying in Ukraine to urgently exit the nation and stay away until further notice. “Those wishing to remain are strongly advised to exercise increased caution,” read the statement.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as independent states.

Ukraine says at least 137 people, including civilians and soldiers, have been killed since Russia launched the attacks in the early hours of Thursday.