Gov’t urges Kenyans in Lebanon to register for evacuation as attacks escalate

The government is now urging Kenyans living in Lebanon to register for evacuation amid constant air strikes caused by rising conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressed concern that a majority of Kenyans in the war torn nation have yet to register for evacuation.

While noting that only those who register with the government will be eligible for evacuation, PS Njogu went ahead to issue a deadline for the registration exercise set for October 12, 2024.

“As per our previous press releases and subsequent communication, the government of Kenya wishes to confirm that we continue to prioritize the safety of all Kenyan nationals currently residing in Lebanon amidst the escalating situation. We are deeply concerned that a large number of Kenyans in Lebanon have not yet registered for evacuation despite our repeated calls,” noted the PS.

“To ensure the safety and timely evacuation of all our citizens, we urge all Kenyans in Lebanon to immediately register with us. Only registered Kenyans will be eligible for evacuation.”

She added: “The deadline for registration is 12th October 2024. Any Kenyan who wishes to be evacuated must ensure that their registration is completed before this date.”

PS Njogu further noted that the State has so far evacuated two groups of Kenyans, and will continue partnering with international organizations and local authorities to ensure safe evacuation routes.

She hence urged those yet to register for the evacuation process to do so online (through the link https://www.diaspora.go.ke/lebanon.html ) or to reach out to the State department directly through phone numbers +96590906719, +96171175006,  and +254114757002.

“The Government of Kenya has successfully evacuated two groups of Kenyans from Lebanon, and we are committed to continuing these efforts until every Kenyan in need is safely home,” the PS stated.

Israeli airstrikes have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

At least 95 people were killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the past 24 hours, Lebanon's health ministry said early on Tuesday.

The Israeli attacks on militant targets in Lebanon are part of a conflict stretching from the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the occupied West Bank to Iranian-backed groups in Yemen and Iraq. The escalation has raised fears that the United States and Iran will be sucked in.