The Kenyan government has evacuated 151 citizens from South Africa as it intensifies efforts to protect nationals affected by xenophobic violence and acts of intimidation.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the government was undertaking a “safe, orderly and timely evacuation” of Kenyans in distress while working closely with South African authorities.

According to the statement, 240 Kenyans had registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria seeking assistance as of July 2.

The mission has been providing temporary accommodation, food, humanitarian assistance and specialised support for vulnerable individuals, including infants.

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya is undertaking a safe, orderly and timely evacuation of Kenyan nationals in distress from the Republic of South Africa amid xenophobic violence and acts of intimidation,” the statement read.

Mudavadi disclosed that 151 Kenyans had already returned home through coordinated flights, while another group of 55 was expected to arrive in Nairobi later on Thursday.

The statement also revealed that Mudavadi held a telephone conversation with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Roland Lamola, who assured Kenya that the South African government was taking the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of Kenyans and other foreign nationals.

“The South African Government continues to take necessary measures to ensure no harm comes to Kenyans and all other foreign nationals,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs noted that it had coordinated transport within South Africa, flights to Nairobi, travel documentation and humanitarian support through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.

While expressing confidence in the continued protection of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans living in South Africa, the government urged those in the diaspora to respect the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration documents remain valid.

Kenya also thanked the South African government for its cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.