At least 151 Kenyan nationals have been safely evacuated from South Africa amid escalating xenophobic attacks and intimidation targeting foreign communities, the government has confirmed.

Speaking on Thursday, July 2, 2026, during the bilateral meeting between Kenya and Italy, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the evacuation was being coordinated in a structured and secure manner through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, working closely with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria to ensure affected citizens are brought home safely and without incident.

Mudavadi said he had 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 implementing the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Kenyans and other foreign nationals.

“So far, the government reports that 151 Kenyans have been flown back to Nairobi on Kenya Airways flights. On June 30, three batches of returnees numbering 61, 26 and 17 arrived in Kenya, followed by another 47 on July 1, while an additional 55 are expected to arrive later on Thursday,” Mudavadi said.

“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.”

According to Mudavadi, 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission for assistance as of July 2, 2026.

The mission has been offering temporary shelter, food, essential relief supplies and specialised support services for vulnerable groups, including infants, as part of ongoing humanitarian assistance.

Mudavadi said the government had arranged ground transportation within South Africa, facilitated flights back home, issued emergency travel documents, and provided humanitarian support to those affected by the unrest.

While expressing concern over the rise in xenophobic incidents, the Prime Cabinet Secretary said he remained confident that the South African government would continue to safeguard Kenyan nationals and other foreign residents within its borders.

“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 further noted that most of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans living in South Africa continue to play an important role in supporting the economies of both countries.

Mudavadi also urged Kenyans living abroad to adhere to the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration documentation remains valid and up to date.