By Nyang’au Araka
The government has issued a travel and safety advisory to Kenyans residing in, or planning to travel to, parts of the Middle East, citing a fluid and evolving security situation in the region.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, said it was “closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East” and urged citizens to exercise heightened vigilance.
Signed by Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, the statement called on “citizens to remain alert, informed, and connected as the situation continues to evolve.”
There has been renewed geopolitical tensions and sporadic security incidents in several Middle Eastern countries, which have in recent months led to heightened alerts, curfews, and increased security operations in some urban centres.
Thousands of Kenyans live and work in the region, particularly in the Gulf states, Israel, and neighbouring areas, mainly in domestic work, construction, transport, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.
The government cautioned that “the situation remains fluid and may change without notice,” urging Kenyans to take precautionary measures to safeguard their lives and livelihoods.
Among the key directives, Kenyans in the region have been asked to register immediately with the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate and to ensure their personal and emergency contact details are up to date.
“Register immediately and update your contact details, next of kin, and emergency contacts without delay,” the statement read.
The ministry also advised citizens to limit movement, particularly in areas where security operations are ongoing or anticipated.
Kenyans were urged to postpone non-essential travel, especially at night or during periods of curfew and official security alerts issued by host governments.
“Comply strictly with instructions issued by host governments and security agencies,” the ministry said, adding that citizens should monitor only verified updates from local authorities and Kenyan diplomatic missions.
To counter misinformation, the government warned against the spread of unverified reports. “Do not share unverified information. Rely only on official communication channels,” the advisory stated.
For Kenyans facing distress, the government reiterated that support services remain available around the clock.
Citizens were urged to contact the nearest Kenyan Embassy or Consulate, call the 24-hour Diaspora Emergency Hotline, or reach out via the official WhatsApp and email channels provided by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
“The State Department for Diaspora Affairs remains operational around the clock to support Kenyans abroad,” the statement said, reaffirming the government’s “unwavering commitment to protecting the safety, rights, and welfare of all Kenyans overseas.”