Over 7,000 Kenyans stuck in Lebanon - Prime CS Mudavadi

According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, out of an estimated 26,000 Kenyans in Lebanon, 7,119 have registered for evacuation.

"Initially, registration was slow, but as the war escalates, we have seen an increase in numbers, and we expect that they will rise even further," he said.

So far, only 35 Kenyans have been repatriated from Lebanon, with PS Roseline Njogu indicating that another batch is expected over the weekend.

"We are facing numerous challenges due to the war, so they are coming back in batches of 5 or 7, depending on the availability of space," she explained.

While warning Kenyans against travelling to conflict zones, Mudavadi stated that they are working on plans for a mass evacuation using safer areas before relying on air transport.

"We can't estimate the cost of this operation or how long it will take, but we are exploring other means to ensure that we bring all Kenyans home," he added.

This challenge arises amid a call from the Kenya Kwanza Administration for Kenyans to seek work opportunities in the diaspora, with PS Njogu noting that over 180,000 Kenyans have sought opportunities abroad since the Kenya Kwanza administration took office.