At least 151 Kenyans have been flown home from South Africa after renewed violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals prompted Nairobi to launch an emergency evacuation of citizens seeking to leave.
The operation follows fresh attacks on migrants that have revived fears of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where about 27,000 Kenyans live and work.
Government figures show that 240 Kenyans have so far sought assistance from the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria, with dozens more expected to return home in the coming days. The evacuees have been flown back in phases since June 30 through coordinated flights arranged by the government.
151 Kenyans return home after emergency evacuation from South Africa
According to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the evacuation is targeting Kenyans who have expressed a desire to leave following the latest unrest. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has been providing temporary accommodation, emergency travel documents and transport to those affected.
“The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria is working together with the South African Government to assist our nationals wishing to return home. Kenya encourages the South African Government to continue supporting the evacuation process while safeguarding the welfare and security of Kenyan nationals remaining in the country,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a press release.
The first batch of evacuees arrived in Nairobi on June 30, when three groups comprising 61, 26 and 17 Kenyans returned aboard Kenya Airways flights. A further 47 landed on July 1, while another 55 were expected back on Thursday as the evacuation exercise continued.
“As of 2 July 2026, a total of 240 Kenyan nationals requiring assistance have registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. The Mission provides temporary safe havens, including hotel accommodation, food and other essential relief supplies, as well as specialised support for vulnerable persons, including infants. In total, 151 people have been flown back home. On 30 June 2026, three groups arrived in Nairobi aboard Kenya Airways flights, including 61 people at 5pm, 26 at 6pm and 17 at 10pm. On 1 July 2026, a further 47 people arrived at 10pm. Another group of 55 Kenyans is expected to arrive today at 17:05,” said Mr Mudavadi.
The latest operation follows renewed unrest in parts of South Africa, where foreign nationals have reportedly faced threats, intimidation and violence, reviving fears of xenophobic attacks that have periodically erupted over the years.
Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs data shows that about 27,000 Kenyans live in South Africa, many working in business, healthcare, academia and other professional sectors. However, the country has repeatedly been rocked by outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals often targeted over allegations that they take jobs, commit crime and strain public services, despite repeated condemnations by South African authorities.
The latest evacuation has once again drawn attention to South Africa's long history of xenophobic violence. Major outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019 left dozens dead, hundreds injured and thousands displaced, with businesses owned by foreign nationals looted and destroyed. Foreign migrants have often been blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services, although researchers and rights groups have linked the violence to broader socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, inequality and poor service delivery.
“The Government of Kenya urges Kenyans in the diaspora to respect the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration status remains valid and up to date. The Government of Kenya expresses its appreciation to the Government of South Africa for its continued support. Kenya values its longstanding friendship and cooperation with the Republic of South Africa and remains committed to further strengthening this enduring partnership for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he said.
