The Kenyan government has issued a warning to its citizens stranded in Lebanon, alerting them to scammers exploiting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. These fraudsters are preying on vulnerable Kenyans by promising fake evacuation services in exchange for fees. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has made it clear that all legitimate government evacuation services are free and has urged Kenyans to remain cautious and report any suspicious offers.
The situation in Lebanon has worsened rapidly due to Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, with significant destruction near the international airport and strikes reportedly targeting Hezbollah strongholds. In response to this escalating crisis, the Kenyan government has set a critical deadline of October 12 for its citizens in Lebanon to register for government-sponsored evacuation. This registration is essential for securing a spot in the state-funded rescue missions. Kenyans in Lebanon are invited to register through the official link: https://www.diaspora.go.ke/lebanon.html.
The plight of many Kenyans in Lebanon, primarily domestic workers, is dire. Many are unable to leave due to their passports being withheld by their employers. The combination of ongoing conflict and economic hardship has made it nearly impossible for them to escape without government intervention. Despite the urgency, the Ministry has expressed concern over the low number of registrations and is urging citizens to take immediate action to ensure their safety. Those who fail to register by the deadline risk missing the opportunity for evacuation.
The severity of the situation has been highlighted by distressing social media footage, including a video of a Kenyan woman, Brenda Muthoni, trapped under rubble and pleading for help. There are approximately 26,599 Kenyans currently residing in Lebanon, mainly working in the domestic and hospitality sectors. Many of them had initially traveled to Lebanon under agreements facilitated by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. However, the sudden outbreak of violence has left them in urgent need of government assistance to return home safely.
The Kenyan government has already facilitated the evacuation of two groups, as confirmed by Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu. The government remains committed to continuing these efforts until all Kenyans in need have been safely repatriated. However, only those who register will be eligible for evacuation. The volatile situation in Lebanon has worsened following the death of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike, leading to intensified violence and an increasingly dangerous environment for all, including the Kenyan diaspora.
