Kenya Starts Evacuating Citizens from South Africa, Issues Urgent Advisory

The Kenyan government has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa following security concerns over the unrest caused by anti-immigrant protesters.

In a press statement dated June 30, 2026, the State Department of diaspora affairs said that a multi-agency evacuation team activated emergency repatriation protocols on Sunday, coordinating the safe return of Kenyans to leave South Africa amid ongoing unrest.

“The Government of Kenya wishes to update the nation on the ongoing evacuation of Kenyan nationals from South Africa. Through a multi-agency evacuation team, the Government on Sunday activated its evacuation protocols and began moving citizens to safety,” the statement read.

The Government confirmed that 26 Kenyan nationals arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday morning, where they received consular services and psychosocial support upon arrival. 60 additional Kenyans are also expected to return later in the day, while arrangements continue for others seeking repatriation.

Kenya Evacuates its Citizens From South Africa

The arrival of the first group of evacuees marks the start of what the government has described as a comprehensive evacuation exercise to ensure the safety of Kenyan citizens residing in South Africa.

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According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, a multi-agency team was mobilized on Sunday to facilitate the evacuation process, coordinate travel logistics, and provide support services to affected citizens.

The 26 Kenyans who landed at JKIA on Monday morning were received and immediately provided with consular assistance and psychosocial services. The government stated that they are expecting additional 60 Kenyans in the course of the day.

“Today morning, 26 Kenyans were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from South Africa where they were assisted on arrival with consular services and psychosocial support. This as we are expecting over 60 others in the course of the day,” read the statement.

Government Issues Safety Advisory to Kenyans Remaining in South Africa

As evacuation efforts continue, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has issued an advisory urging Kenyan citizen who remain in South Africa to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their personal safety.

Authorities have advised Kenyans to avoid protest areas and large gatherings where violence could occur, remain indoors whenever possible, especially during demonstrations, and carry valid identification documents at all times.

The advisory further directs Kenyan nationals to closely monitor updates and instructions issued by South African authorities, the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria, local media outlets, and recognized Kenyan diaspora leaders.

Several Countries are evacuating their citizens from South Africa because of rise in anti-immigrant protests, xenophobic attacks, and threats by vigilante groups targeting foreign nationals. Governments fear that the situation could escalate into widespread violence, similar to previous xenophobic outbreaks in South Africa in 2008, 2015, and 2021.

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So far, countries that evacuated their citizens include:

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