Kenya has instructed its diplomats stationed in Israel and Iran to avoid their embassies and operate remotely as a precautionary measure amid intensifying airstrikes in the Middle East. The directive, issued on Thursday, comes as Israeli strikes continue to hit strategic targets in Tehran, including the Sharan Oil depot, prompting fears of wider regional escalation. Nairobi’s move underscores growing concerns for the safety of its foreign service officers posted in conflict-prone areas as tensions between Israel and Iran enter a dangerous phase. Kenyan officials confirmed that while the missions remain operational, staff have been advised to reduce movement and avoid physical offices until the security situation stabilises.
The decision follows a dramatic uptick in hostilities across the region, with Iran accusing Israel of conducting increasingly bold strikes in recent weeks. Images of towering flames rising above Tehran after the latest attack have dominated global news, serving as a stark reminder of the volatility gripping the region. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been monitoring the situation closely, working with host governments and international partners to assess risks to its personnel. Historically, Kenya has maintained diplomatic ties with both Israel and Iran, balancing its interests in security cooperation with Tel Aviv and trade relations with Tehran. But the escalation has placed Nairobi in a delicate position, forcing it to prioritise the safety of its diplomats while maintaining essential diplomatic operations.
The precaution has sparked a wave of reactions at home, with some observers praising the government for responding swiftly to a rapidly deteriorating security environment. Others argue that the situation highlights the need for broader reforms in Kenya’s crisis-response mechanisms for diplomats stationed abroad. Families of embassy staff have expressed relief at the directive, though concerns remain about prolonged instability in the region. Analysts warn that continued clashes could disrupt Kenya’s economic and political engagements in the Middle East, particularly in energy partnerships and diaspora affairs, given the large number of Kenyans living and working across Gulf states.