PRETORIA, S. Africa — Kenya has begun evacuating its citizens from South Africa following renewed outbreaks of xenophobic violence that have left foreign nationals displaced and raised concern across the region over the safety of African migrants.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs confirmed that the first group of returnees arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday, with additional evacuations ongoing as the government responds to requests from affected Kenyans.
Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the government had received evacuation requests from approximately 200 Kenyans after issuing a public appeal for citizens seeking assistance to return home.
“We have received 26 Kenyans this morning from South Africa and we are expecting 64 more later in the day and more tomorrow,” Njogu said, adding that evacuation flights would continue depending on demand and security assessments.
The evacuees are among Kenyans affected by rising anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa, where sporadic violence linked to xenophobic tensions has forced some foreign nationals to flee their homes and businesses.
Kenya’s High Commission in Pretoria is coordinating with affected citizens, with authorities urging those still in South Africa to maintain contact with diplomatic missions and observe safety advisories as the situation evolves.
South Africa has long been a key destination for migrants across the continent, including Kenyans seeking employment, education and business opportunities. However, persistent economic challenges such as high unemployment, inequality and poverty have periodically fuelled tensions that often manifest in violence against foreign nationals.
The latest developments have renewed regional and international concern over xenophobia in South Africa, a recurring issue that human rights organisations have repeatedly warned requires urgent structural and policy intervention.
In Kenya, President William Ruto has in previous statements underscored the government’s commitment to protecting Kenyans in the diaspora and strengthening diplomatic engagement to ensure their safety and dignity abroad, particularly in countries experiencing unrest or targeted violence against migrants.
At the continental level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently called for stronger global action against xenophobia and discrimination against migrants, urging governments to uphold international human rights standards and protect vulnerable foreign populations from violence and exclusion.
Human rights groups have also urged South African authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators of xenophobic attacks, including ensuring accountability, strengthening early warning systems, and addressing misinformation that often fuels anti-immigrant sentiment.
The Kenyan government said it will continue monitoring the situation closely while coordinating further evacuation arrangements for citizens who have requested assistance.
Officials added that Kenyans still in South Africa are encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain regular contact with the High Commission as diplomatic efforts continue.
The latest evacuation underscores growing concerns over the recurrence of xenophobic violence in South Africa and its wider implications for regional migration, integration and African unity.
