Kenyans Urged to Respect South African Laws as Government Evacuates Citizens Amid Rising Xenophobic Protests

Kenyans Urged to Respect South African Laws as Government Evacuates Citizens Amid Rising Xenophobic Protests

The Kenyan government has urged its citizens living in South Africa to respect the country’s laws and maintain valid immigration documents as it intensifies efforts to evacuate Kenyans affected by escalating xenophobic protests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi called on Kenyans in South Africa to remain law-abiding while the government continues coordinating the safe return of those seeking assistance.

The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in parts of South Africa following anti-foreigner demonstrations that have raised concerns about the safety of migrants, including thousands of Kenyans living and working in the country.

According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, compliance with the laws of the host country remains essential for the safety and protection of Kenyan nationals during the ongoing crisis.

“The Government of Kenya urges Kenyans in the Diaspora to respect the laws of the host countries and ensure their immigration status remains valid and up to date,” the ministry said in part.

The government confirmed that it has activated an emergency evacuation programme aimed at facilitating the safe, orderly and timely return of Kenyans who have requested assistance following the outbreak of protests targeting foreign nationals.

The demonstrations intensified after June 30, when a deadline issued by some protest groups calling for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa expired.

The protests have largely been driven by frustrations over unemployment, with some demonstrators claiming that foreign nationals have taken jobs that should be reserved for South African citizens. Although such claims remain a subject of political and economic debate, the unrest has heightened fears among migrant communities across the country.

In response, Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria has been coordinating evacuation efforts while offering humanitarian support to affected citizens.

According to the ministry, 240 Kenyan nationals had registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation and emergency assistance as of July 2.

Government figures indicate that 151 Kenyans had already been successfully repatriated by Thursday, while additional evacuation flights were scheduled as authorities worked to assist the remaining registered citizens.

“As of July 2, 2026, a total of 240 Kenyan nationals requiring assistance have registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. The Mission is providing temporary safe havens, including hotel accommodation, food and other essential relief supplies, as well as specialised support for vulnerable persons, including infants,” the ministry stated.

Officials said the first evacuation flights brought home several groups of Kenyans over multiple days.

According to the ministry, 61 evacuees arrived in Nairobi on June 30 aboard a Kenya Airways flight at 5:00 p.m., followed by 26 more passengers later that evening and another 17 on a subsequent flight.

A further 47 Kenyans returned home on July 1, while another group of 55 evacuees was expected to land in Nairobi later on July 2, bringing the total number of returnees to 151.

Beyond arranging flights, the Kenyan government said it has been providing comprehensive assistance to affected citizens throughout the evacuation process.

The support package includes emergency travel documents, secure accommodation, food, local transportation within South Africa and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable groups such as infants, children and individuals requiring special care.

Officials noted that the coordinated response is intended to ensure that no Kenyan requesting assistance is left without protection while awaiting evacuation.

Mudavadi also revealed that he held a telephone conversation on Wednesday, July 1, with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, who assured Kenya that the South African government was taking appropriate measures to safeguard Kenyan nationals and other foreign residents from harm.

The engagement forms part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between Nairobi and Pretoria aimed at protecting citizens while preserving the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Despite the unrest, the Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasised that the majority of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa continue to live and work peacefully across the country.

The government has encouraged those who remain in South Africa to stay vigilant, avoid areas experiencing demonstrations, maintain contact with the Kenya High Commission and seek immediate assistance if they feel threatened.

As evacuation efforts continue, Kenyan authorities say they remain committed to protecting citizens abroad while working closely with South African authorities to ensure the safety, dignity and welfare of all affected nationals during the ongoing period of uncertainty.

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Kenyans Urged to Respect South African Laws as Government Evacuates Citizens Amid Rising Xenophobic Protests