Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed government plans to evacuate the Kenyans in Lebanon following the ongoing security concerns.
In a statement on August 9, the Foreign Affairs Ministry revealed that it was monitoring the situation and working towards evacuating Kenyans in the Middle East country.
“The Government of Kenya is monitoring the unfolding situation in Lebanon and stands ready to rapidly evacuate Kenyans wishing to leave the Middle East country,” the statement read.
In addition, the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) assured that it was working with Kuwait government to ensure safe evacuation of the over 20,000 Kenyans.
“An Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is working round the clock to ensure the safety of the 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon. The Committee is liaising with Kenya’s Mission in Kuwait, which is accredited to Lebanon, and other partners to execute an evacuation plan,” the statement added.
However, Mudavadi assured that the evacuations will be conducted strictly on a voluntary basis.
“The Government is bound by the Constitution of Kenya and the rights and freedoms enshrined therein, including the freedom of movement. Therefore, all evacuations will be conducted strictly on a voluntary basis,” Mudavadi said.
Also Read: Kenyans in Lebanon Asked to Leave Immediately
Mudavadi Call to Kenyans in Lebanon
Additionally, the CS called on Kenyans in Lebanon wishing to be evacuated to urgently register through the following link for timely information and assistance: https://tinyurl.com/2m9nw4ww.
Similarly, he directed that they could call the following emergency numbers: +96590906719 or +96171175006 or +254114757002.
In the statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry reminded Kenyans of the ban on labour migration to Lebanon that has been in place since September 2023.
“The Government reiterates that a ban on labour migration to Lebanon has been in place since September 2023 and urges Kenyans to refrain from travelling to Lebanon or defer any intended travel until the situation normalizes,” he said.
Musalia emphasized that the safety of Kenyans abroad is a top government priority and assured the diaspora community of continued support whenever safety concerns arise.
He further advised Kenyans to visit the www.diaspora.go.ke website and its social media channels for more information.
Kenyans in Lebanon Asked to Leave
This statement comes after the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued a warning to Kenyans living in Lebanon due to the current situation.
In a statement, the Ministry expressed concern for the violence unfolding in the country and asked those who are in a position to leave the country to do so immediately.
At the same time, the Ministry has indicated that it is beginning evacuation processes for Kenyans in the country.
“Kenyans in Lebanon, we have noted with deep concern the unfolding situation in Lebanon,
“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so,” the statement reads in part.
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