Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on Friday announced that the government is on standby to evacuate Kenyans from Lebanon amid the deteriorating security situation in the Middle Eastern country.
In a statement, the Prime CS revealed that as it stands there are 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon who the government will be ready to assist should they wish to leave.
However, in the statement, the country's top diplomat reiterated that the evacuation will be on a voluntary basis and no Kenyan will be forced to leave against their will.
"An Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the State Department of Foreign Affairs is working round the clock to ensure the safety of 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon. The Committee is liasing with Kenya's mission in Kuwait, which is accredited in Lebanon, and other partners to execute an evacuation plan," the Prime CS said in a statement.
"All evacuations will be conducted on a strictly voluntary basis," further read the statement.
The government further provided contact details including a link where Kenyans can apply for assistance or secure information that might help them secure safe passage from the country.
Ban on Labour Migration to Lebanon
Mudavadi further communicated the government's official position on labour migration to Lebanon.
"The government reiterates that a ban on labour migration to Lebanon has been in place since September 2023 and urges Kenyans to refrain from travelling to Lebanon or defer any intended travel until the situation normalises," the Prime CS further stated.
Security Situation in Lebanon
Lebanon is experiencing heightened instability and security concerns due to recent military and political tensions.
The main issue involves clashes between the Iran-backed group Hezbollah and Israel. Recently, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, which led to Israeli strikes on targets in Lebanon. These cross-border attacks have increased fears of a broader conflict, drawing international attention and concern.
Political tensions are also contributing to the unrest. Israel is dealing with both internal challenges and external threats, particularly from Iran, which has vowed retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader. This geopolitical friction has heightened the risk of further military escalation in the region, making the situation precarious.
In response to these developments, many countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens, advising against travel to Lebanon due to safety concerns. The possibility of getting caught in the crossfire or facing other security risks is high, prompting governments to take precautionary measures.
