
Lebabon
- 89 views
The Kenyan government has intensified its efforts to evacuate citizens stranded in Lebanon as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
The November evacuation brought the total number of Kenyans repatriated to 94 within a little over a month, reflecting the urgency and determination of the authorities to ensure the safety of their nationals. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs confirmed that the latest group departed from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut and arrived at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
To support the mental well-being of these individuals, counselling services were made available before they departed from the conflict region. The evacuation operations are being coordinated by a multi-agency team led by Margaret Wamoto, who has played a crucial role in navigating the logistical challenges involved in facilitating safe passages for Kenyans.
The government's commitment to its citizens is evident in its focused efforts to arrange evacuations and provide necessary support to those affected by the ongoing hostilities. Despite these efforts, the situation for many remains critical. Current reports indicate that over 7,000 Kenyans are still in Lebanon, where many had sought better economic prospects.
Their condition has become increasingly precarious as the conflict escalates. Activist Boniface Mwangi has drawn attention to the dire circumstances faced by those still trapped in Lebanon. In a recent tweet, he shared a distressing message from one of the stranded Kenyans who lamented the hardships endured by hundreds living in makeshift shelters facing imminent closure.
The message highlights the urgent need for financial resources, work opportunities, and consistent communication from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, which has been lacking for the past three months and contributing to rising depression amongst those affected. In response to the concerns raised, the State Department has reached out via social media, requesting contact information to facilitate direct communication with those still in Lebanon.
This situation emphasizes the need to maintain regular contact between government officials and stranded citizens to alleviate growing anxiety and despair as the conflict progresses. The urgency for expedited evacuations has increased amidst escalations between Israel and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon, leading to widespread casualties and displacement, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.
For many within the Kenyan community, this crisis has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers in conflict zones. Numerous Kenyans who relocated to Lebanon in pursuit of employment in domestic and service sectors now find themselves without resources or support.
The Kenyan government has committed to continuing evacuation efforts in phases, prioritizing individuals in the most critical situations.
However, significant obstacles persist, including limited financial and logistical resources and the challenge of ensuring timely communication with those still trapped.