Kenya Allocates Sh100 Million for Lebanon Evacuation

The Kenyan government has allocated Sh100 million (approximately $775,000) for the potential evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announces that the timing of evacuations will depend on both the interest expressed by Kenyans in returning and the evolving situation on the ground. With an estimated 26,000 Kenyans residing and working in Lebanon, Nairobi is closely monitoring the volatile circumstances. The current crisis in Lebanon stems from Israel's incursion into the southern part of the country, targeting Hezbollah militants. This operation has effectively turned the region into a warzone over the past three weeks. Mudavadi emphasizes the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly during this critical period.

He assures that the government will take all necessary measures to facilitate the safe evacuation of Kenyans from affected areas. This announcement comes in response to growing frustrations among Kenyans stranded in Lebanon who have expressed feelings of abandonment as other nations began evacuating their citizens. The intensification of hostilities has heightened these concerns. Kenyan domestic worker in Lebanon Mary Kamau articulates the desperation felt by many, noting that their passports, often retained by employers, represent their sole means of departure.

However, many employers are reluctant to release these documents. Mudavadi indicates that a comprehensive strategy to assist Kenyans in countries facing humanitarian crises is in the advanced stages of development. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that financial constraints have hindered smooth operations in times of need. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, he assures, is working diligently to prevent loss of life and ensure that no willing Kenyan is left stranded. There have been criticisms directed at Kenyan diplomatic missions for their perceived lack of timely assistance during crises in various parts of the world.

Addressing these concerns, Mudavadi maintains that his ministry in collaboration with the national government is committed to supporting Kenya's embassies and missions globally. The Kenyan government has previously attributed some of these issues to citizens disregarding consular advice regarding travel to certain countries. For instance, there is an existing ban on domestic labour export to Lebanon. He suggests that many Kenyans caught in the current conflict may have acted against official guidance.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu notes that some Kenyans have continued to enter Lebanon, sometimes by circumventing official channels and travelling through airports in neighbouring countries. Njogu reiterates that Lebanon is not considered a safe destination for Kenyans due to the absence of formal agreements that would guarantee their rights, provide safe migration pathways, or ensure access to consular services.