Kenyans in South Africa Have Five Days to Sign Up for Final Evacuation Flight

The Kenyan government will operate its final evacuation flight from Johannesburg on Thursday, 9 July, as it continues to repatriate citizens affected by ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa. Kenyans seeking a place on the flight must complete registration and vetting by Tuesday, 7 July.

Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has urged Kenyans still in South Africa to register immediately with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. The mission has been providing temporary shelter, meals and assistance with travel arrangements for citizens affected by the unrest. 

Njogu said only those who complete the registration and verification process before the deadline will be eligible to board the final evacuation flight. The evacuation follows a rise in anti-migrant protests and immigration enforcement that intensified at the end of June. 

Demonstrations organised by anti-immigration groups culminated in a 30 June deadline calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. The unrest later turned violent, with reports of looting, home invasions and assaults targeting migrants. Businesses owned by foreign nationals were also damaged or destroyed, leaving many Kenyans working in retail, salons and small businesses without jobs or income.

By early July, the government had already flown more than 180 Kenyans back to the country. On Friday night, another 60 evacuees arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where government officials received them and arranged psychosocial support. 

Peter Burugu, Head of the Counselling Unit, represented Njogu during the reception and acknowledged the trauma experienced by many of those returning. Counselling and reintegration programmes are being expanded to help returnees rebuild their lives.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said more than 240 Kenyans in South Africa have registered for emergency assistance. Government estimates indicate that about 30,000 Kenyans live and work in the country, with most residing there legally. The recent evacuations have highlighted the risks faced by migrant communities during periods of unrest.

South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, often linked to concerns over unemployment and economic inequality. Human rights organisations have warned that the latest violence could reinforce the targeting of foreign nationals, who are frequently blamed for economic challenges.

The Kenyan government said it will continue monitoring the situation, working with its diplomatic mission in South Africa and providing support to citizens who remain at risk. Officials have advised Kenyans in affected areas to stay alert, avoid locations where violence has been reported and seek assistance through official government channels.

For immediate assistance, affected citizens can contact the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria on +27 76 177 2675 or the 24-hour Diaspora Call and Response Centre on +254 20 787 6000 or +254 114 757 000.