Kenya Completes Evacuation of 472 Citizens from South Africa

Kenya has evacuated 472 citizens from South Africa after a final group of 50 people arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday night, bringing the government’s repatriation operation to its conclusion.

The latest group included children and other vulnerable people. Officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs received them on arrival before they underwent debriefing and psychosocial support and were reunited with their families. The arrival followed the return of 80 Kenyans on Wednesday, the largest group brought home since the evacuation began. 

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said Wednesday’s flight had increased the number of returnees to 422, with more citizens expected on the final day of the operation. Thursday’s flight brought the total to 472, completing one of Kenya’s largest evacuation efforts in recent years.

The government launched the operation after anti-immigration protests intensified across South Africa, leaving many foreign nationals concerned about their safety. The demonstrations began on 30 June after activist groups announced an informal deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country. 

South African authorities rejected the ultimatum as unlawful and deployed police to prevent violence. Despite those measures, many migrants left their homes or sought refuge at foreign missions. Kenyan officials received urgent requests for assistance from citizens affected by the unrest.

The protests have been driven by concerns over unemployment and economic hardship, with foreign nationals becoming the focus of growing public frustration. Although organisers say their campaign is aimed at undocumented migrants, rights groups report that legally resident foreigners have also experienced harassment and intimidation.

The Kenyan government said it acted to protect its citizens through the evacuation and support provided by its diplomatic missions. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyans living overseas through its missions and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.