Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. /MUSALIA MUDAVADI/X
At least 151 Kenyans have been evacuated from South Africa following a wave of xenophobic violence and intimidation targeting foreign nationals, the Kenyan government has announced.
In a statement on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government had launched a safe, orderly and timely evacuation of Kenyans in distress through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria.
Mudavadi said he held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with South Africa's Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who assured him that the South African government was taking the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of Kenyans and other foreign nationals.
"The Kenyan 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," Mudavadi said.
According to the ministry, 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission for assistance as of July 2.
The mission has been providing temporary safe accommodation, meals, essential relief supplies and specialised support for vulnerable groups, including infants.
The government said 151 Kenyans have so far been flown back to Nairobi aboard Kenya Airways. On June 30, three groups comprising 61, 26 and 17 people arrived in the country, while another 47 arrived on July 1. A further 55 Kenyans ar expected to arrive later on Thursday.
Mudavadi said the government had facilitated ground transport within South Africa, flights back to Kenya, emergency travel documents and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the violence.
While expressing concern over the escalation of xenophobic attacks, the Prime Cabinet Secretary voiced confidence that the South African government would continue protecting Kenyan nationals and all other persons living within its jurisdiction.
"The escalation of hostile acts can be unfortunate. Kenya expresses
confidence in the continued protection of its nationals, alongside all
other persons under South Africa's jurisdiction. The majority of the
estimated 27,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa continue to make
meaningful contributions to the prosperity of both our friendly
nations," he added.
He noted that the majority of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa continue to make significant contributions to the economies of both Kenya and South Africa.
Mudavadi also urged Kenyans living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration status remains valid and up to date.
He thanked the South African government for its cooperation during the evacuation exercise, saying Kenya values the longstanding friendship and partnership between the two countries and remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations.
