PS Njogu outlines steps Kenyans should take after losing a passport abroad
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 15, 2026Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has outlined the steps Kenyans should take if they lose their passport while in a foreign country, urging them not to panic and instead seek immediate assistance from the nearest Kenyan immigration office.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Njogu said many Kenyans are unaware of what to do after losing their passport, with some believing they have no option but to remain stranded.
She noted that the situation is particularly common among victims of human trafficking, who often lose their travel documents and fear they cannot return home.
“The first thing you should do is establish where the nearest Kenyan embassy or high commission is and contact them immediately. You can also reach out to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and inform us that you have lost your passport and are stranded,” she said.
Njogu explained that the Kenyan embassy or high commission will assist affected citizens by issuing them with an emergency travel document, enabling them to travel back to Kenya or continue with their journey where applicable.
Kenyan high commissioner
She encouraged Kenyans traveling abroad to keep the contact details of the nearest Kenyan diplomatic mission and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, saying prompt reporting helps the government provide timely assistance to citizens in distress.
The PS also provided an update on why thousands of Kenyans remain in South Africa despite the recent wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
Njogu said the attacks were confined to specific areas and mainly targeted small-scale business owners and informal traders rather than all foreigners across the country.
Xenophobic attacks in SA
“The attacks were not happening everywhere in South Africa. They had a socio-economic angle to them. If you are a senior executive, you may not be targeted, but if you run a car wash, a shop, or a small business, those are the people who are being targeted,” Njogu said.