By Erestinah Jane, July 1, 2026
The first group of 26 Kenyans evacuated from South Africa has arrived safely at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as the government continues efforts to repatriate citizens fleeing escalating anti-immigrant violence and xenophobic protests.
The evacuees landed in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, under an emergency evacuation programme coordinated by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs following growing security concerns in several South African cities.
The evacuation was prompted by heightened tensions after anti-immigrant groups intensified demonstrations and issued ultimatums demanding that foreign nationals leave parts of the country.
According to Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu, the first batch marks the beginning of a phased repatriation exercise targeting Kenyans who have requested government assistance to return home.
Njogu said a second group comprising 63 Kenyans was scheduled to arrive later on Tuesday night, while additional evacuation flights were expected on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, depending on logistical arrangements and flight availability.
She disclosed that the State Department has so far received more than 200 requests from Kenyans seeking evacuation from South Africa, although this represents only a small proportion of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans living and working in the country.
The Principal Secretary said nearly 100 Kenyans have sought temporary refuge at the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria, where they are receiving consular assistance as officials process travel documents and coordinate transport back to Kenya.
Upon arrival at JKIA, the returnees are being received by government officials and provided with immigration clearance, counselling services, psychosocial support and assistance to facilitate their reintegration.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the welfare of Kenyan citizens abroad remains a priority and assured those still in South Africa that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
The evacuations come against the backdrop of weeks of anti-immigrant demonstrations, intimidation and violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of Johannesburg, Durban and other urban centres.
Reports indicate that businesses owned by migrants have been attacked, while some foreign workers have reportedly lost their jobs amid rising hostility.
The unrest has also claimed lives, with several foreign nationals from neighbouring African countries reportedly killed in recent weeks, prompting multiple governments across the continent to organize emergency evacuation programmes for their citizens.
The Kenyan government has urged Kenyans who remain in South Africa to exercise caution, avoid areas experiencing protests and maintain regular contact with the Kenyan High Commission in Pretoria.
Authorities have also encouraged citizens requiring assistance to use the High Commission’s emergency communication channels and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs’ 24-hour response centre as evacuation efforts continue.
