Stay Away From War Zones, Mudavadi Warns Kenyans

The Kenyan government has issued a stern travel advisory for conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East due to the escalating violence in the region.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the gravity of the situation during a media roundtable in Nairobi, urging potential travellers to exercise caution and stay informed about the risks associated with visiting affected areas. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has significantly impacted Lebanon, where 7,119 Kenyan citizens have registered for evacuation. Mudavadi highlights the logistical challenges faced in the evacuation process, noting that flights to and from Beirut are extremely limited. Despite these obstacles, the government has already initiated evacuations, with the first three batches bringing 35 Kenyans back home.

Additional flights are expected to bring more citizens back in the coming days. The evacuation operation has proven costly, primarily due to high insurance fees associated with flying into conflict zones. In response, the government has allocated an initial budget of 100 million Kenyan shillings to support these efforts. Alternative evacuation methods, including sea routes, are being explored to expedite the process. To better understand the scope of the situation, Kenyan ambassadors in the region have been tasked with registering all Kenyan residents in their jurisdictions.

This measure aims to address the issue of citizens travelling abroad without providing adequate information about their whereabouts. The current escalation in the Middle East has brought unprecedented levels of violence and instability to the region. The Israel-Hamas war, which began in October 2023, has resulted in numerous attacks and counterattacks, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. Lebanon, already grappling with economic and political challenges, has been further destabilized by the conflict. Kenya's travel advisory is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.

The government continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to those affected. The humanitarian crisis has led to widespread displacement and suffering, with many people forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The international community has been called upon to provide support and assistance to those affected by the conflict. Kenya's evacuation efforts are part of a larger global response to the crisis, with other countries also working to repatriate their nationals. Governments have been collaborating to ensure the safety and well-being of those caught in the conflict.