Kenya has joined other nations in calling on their citizens to evacuate Lebanon as rising tensions raise concerns about a protracted conflict erupting throughout the Middle East.
As a result of Iran’s pledge to exact retribution on Israel for the murder of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, tensions in the Middle East have escalated.
Kenyan nationals residing in Lebanon are now being advised to either depart the nation or relocate to safer regions by the Department of Diaspora Affairs of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kenya.
The government expresses “deep concern the unfolding situation” and asks residents of Lebanon to register for evacuation.
“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so. For Kenyans with family members in Lebanon, kindly call +254114757002 number provided for ease of safety coordination or visit our offices at the Old Mutual Building, Ground floor along Upper Hill Road,” the Ministry stated on Tuesday.
Those seeking evacuation have been urged to register through +96590906719 or +96171175006 or +254114757002. They can also do so by filling an online form provided by the ministry.
Kenyans in Lebanon
Kenya is one of the nations that regularly exports skilled labor to Lebanon and other Middle Eastern nations.
According to a 2022 study published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), 3233 additional Kenyan workers relocated to Lebanon in 2021.
As a result of an agreement between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and many organizations, 1,500 additional Kenyans departed the nation in October 2023 in order to accept positions in Lebanon.
According to the Kenyan Consulate in Beirut, women make up the bulk of job seekers in Lebanon and mostly work domestic employment.
Other competent workers go to work as veterinary technicians, agricultural officers, food and dairy technologists, computer specialists, technicians, and employees of hotels and restaurants.
Middle East Tension
Middle Eastern nations have been under increased strain this week due to rumors that Iran intends to exact retribution on Israel for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
A “short-range projectile” fired from outside Haniyeh’s guesthouse in Tehran on July 31 killed him. As per the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran, the Hamas leader and his bodyguard were killed by a “strong blast” that was triggered by a rocket weighing around 7kg (16lbs).
The assassination, according to the Guards, happened hours after Haniyeh attended Massoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration as Iran’s new president.
The administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet acknowledged taking credit for the strike, which has raised fears that the Gaza crisis may be escalating into a larger war in the Middle East.
