Kenyans Urged to Obey South African Laws as Government Steps Up Evacuation Amid Escalating Xenophobic Protests
The Kenyan government has urged its citizens living in South Africa to strictly observe the country’s laws and maintain valid immigration documents as authorities intensify efforts to evacuate Kenyans caught up in growing anti-foreigner protests.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, said respecting the laws of host countries remains essential for the safety and protection of Kenyans abroad, particularly during periods of heightened tension.
“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,” part of the ministry’s statement read.
The appeal comes as the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs continues coordinating the safe, orderly and timely evacuation of Kenyan nationals seeking to leave South Africa following a wave of xenophobic demonstrations targeting foreign nationals.
Evacuation Programme Underway
According to the ministry, at least 240 Kenyan nationals had registered with the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria for emergency assistance by Thursday, July 2.
Of those registered, 151 Kenyans had already been repatriated, with the government confirming that dozens have returned home through several Kenya Airways evacuation flights.
The ministry said three groups arrived in Nairobi on June 30, comprising 61 people at 5:00 p.m., 26 at 6:00 p.m. and another 17 at 10:00 p.m. A further 47 Kenyans landed on July 1, while another 55 evacuees were expected to arrive in Nairobi later on Thursday.
“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 said.
Officials added that those being evacuated are receiving comprehensive assistance, including emergency travel documents, transportation within South Africa, accommodation, meals, flights back to Kenya and humanitarian support for vulnerable groups such as young children and infants.
Rising Tensions in South Africa
The evacuation follows a surge in anti-immigrant protests that escalated after June 30, when a self-imposed deadline issued by protest organisers demanding that foreign nationals leave the country expired.
Demonstrators have argued that increasing immigration has intensified competition for employment opportunities, claiming that foreigners are taking jobs from South African citizens. The protests have fuelled renewed concerns over the safety of migrants from across Africa, including Kenyans living and working in the country.
Kenya Engages South African Government
The Ministry also disclosed that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, who assured the Kenyan government that South African authorities were taking the necessary measures to safeguard Kenyan citizens and other foreign nationals.
The Kenyan government said it remains in close contact with South African officials to ensure the continued protection of its citizens while facilitating voluntary repatriation for those wishing to return home.
Despite the ongoing unrest, the ministry noted that the majority of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa continue to live and work across the country without seeking evacuation.
Authorities have urged Kenyans remaining in South Africa to stay vigilant, comply with local laws, keep their immigration documentation valid and maintain contact with the Kenyan High Commission should they require assistance.
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