Gov’t says 500,000 Kenyans trapped in Middle East safe
Mudavadi urged Kenyans to register with their nearest embassies and maintain communication through the missions’ 24-hour emergency helplines.
Kenyans trapped in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict occasioned by US–Israeli attacks against Iran have been urged to remain vigilant, maintain contact with Kenyan embassies, and register with diplomatic missions for emergency assistance.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, 2026, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the welfare of more than 500,000 Kenyans residing across Middle Eastern countries remains a top priority. He noted that no casualties or injuries involving Kenyan nationals had been reported seven days into the conflict.
He assured that the Middle East remains a safe place to live and work despite the ongoing conflict in the region, pointing out that most Kenyans there have continued with their daily activities, including work, studies, and personal engagements.
“Amid this conflict, the government wishes to assure the public that the safety and well-being of Kenyan nationals residing and working in the Middle East remains a top priority,” he said.
The tensions were triggered after US–Israeli attacks, which prompted a retaliatory Iranian response across the region. The conflict, which has left millions of people stranded in various countries across the Middle East, has now entered its seventh day.
Mudavadi urged Kenyans in the affected countries to register with their nearest embassies and maintain communication through the missions’ 24-hour emergency helplines.
“They have also been advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance issued by host governments,” he said.
He further stated that Kenyans who wish to leave the region have been advised to do so through available commercial airlines where conditions allow.
The Prime CS observed that all missions have activated emergency and contingency response mechanisms, including evacuation plans, in the event that the situation worsens.
The government also acknowledged that the ongoing conflict has disrupted trade flows, affecting Kenyan exporters who rely on Middle Eastern markets for the sale of fresh produce and other perishable goods.
At the same time, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs continues to operate a 24-hour diaspora support centre to assist Kenyans seeking help or information.
Emergency hotline numbers have also been circulated to allow Kenyans in distress to contact diplomatic missions.
On the diplomatic front, Mudavadi expressed concern over the widening conflict in the Middle East, particularly attacks targeting maritime routes, energy installations, and other critical infrastructure.