Kenya begins evacuating citizens from Lebanon as regional tension rises

The Middle East region is experiencing heightened tension after Iran vowed revenge on Israel over the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas group. 

Now, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs ministry through the Department of Diaspora Affairs has urged its citizens living in Lebanon to leave the country or move to safer areas. 

The ministry urges citizens living in Lebanon to register for evacuation as there is a “deep concern the unfolding situation.”

“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so. For Kenyans with family members in Lebanon, kindly call +254114757002 number provided for ease of safety coordination or visit our offices at the Old Mutual Building, Ground floor along Upper Hill Road,” the Ministry stated on Tuesday. 

Those seeking evacuation have been urged to register through +96590906719 or +96171175006 or +254114757002. They can also do so by filling an online form provided by the ministry. 

Kenyans in Lebanon 

Kenya is among countries that abundantly sends its skilled labour workforce to Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East. 

A 2022 report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) revealed that Lebanon saw an increase in Kenyan community in 2021, where 3233 new workers moved to the country. 

In October 2023, 1,500 other Kenyans left the country to take up jobs in Lebanon as part of a deal between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and various agencies.

The Kenyan Consulate in Beirut reports that majority of the population seeking jobs in Lebanon are females, who take up domestic jobs. 

Other skilled workers move to work as Food/Dairy Technologists, Veterinary staff, Agricultural officers, Tourist consultant, Computer experts, Technicians, Hotels and Restaurants staff.

Middle East tension

Countries in the Middle East have this week experienced heightened tension over reports that Iran plans revenge on Israel over the killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh.

On July 31, Haniyeh was killed with a "short-range projectile" fired from outside his guesthouse in Tehran. This is according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which said the projectile weighing about 7kg (16lbs) caused a "strong blast", killing the Hamas leader and his bodyguard.

The Guards said the assassination took place hours after Haniyeh attended a swearing-in ceremony for Iran's new president Massoud Pezeshkian.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has so far not claimed responsibility for the attack that has fuelled concern that the Gaza conflict is turning into a wider Middle East war.