The Kenyan government is advising thousands of its citizens in the Middle East to remain vigilant as hostilities intensify in the region following the Saturday morning bombing of Iran.
In the early hours of Saturday, the United States and Israel carried out an assault on Tehran, with reports indicating that Iran has initiated counterattacks.
By this evening, United Arab Emirates state media reported one fatality in Abu Dhabi after Iran launched strikes targeting U.S. military installations.
Simultaneously, numerous Gulf Arab states reported being targeted by Iranian missiles, causing widespread anxiety across the region.
Qatar’s military confirmed in a statement that it had intercepted incoming Iranian projectiles; however, multiple successive explosions were detected in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The Kenyan Embassy in Doha has stated it is closely monitoring recent developments in Qatar and the broader Middle East while maintaining communication with Qatari authorities.
Additionally, it stated, “We urge the Kenyan community to remain calm, follow official guidance, and rely on verified government platforms for updates.”
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei expressed profound concern regarding the developing situation amidst ongoing attacks, urging Kenyans in the region to exercise caution.
“We are following with deep concern the evolving situation in the Middle East and are in close communication with our diplomatic Missions,” he conveyed in a statement on social media.
“We urge Kenyans in the region to exercise caution. We stand in solidarity with countries calling for de-escalation and a return to UN Charter-based mechanisms for resolving matters in dispute,” he added.
Consequently, following a series of air attacks targeting various Gulf nations, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq and Israel have restricted their airspace. Oman has also closed its airport, potentially complicating evacuation efforts.
Dubai Airport has indefinitely suspended operations, further reflecting the rapidly changing circumstances in the region.
As of 2024, more than 400,000 Kenyans were residing and employed in the Middle East, with the largest contingent, 310,266 individuals, working in Saudi Arabia primarily as domestic and service personnel.
Approximately 66,000 Kenyans are estimated to be living and working in Qatar, while between 23,000 and 40,000 are in the UAE.