Kenya Urges Citizens to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

 In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Kenya urges its citizens in Lebanon to leave due to rising Middle East tensions following Iran's vow of revenge on Israel for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided contact numbers and an online form for evacuation registration.

Kenya has joined other countries in urging its citizens to leave Lebanon due to rising tensions and fears of widespread conflict in the Middle East. 

This follows Iran's vow of revenge on Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, through the Department of Diaspora Affairs, has advised Kenyans living in Lebanon to either leave the country or move to safer areas. 

The ministry has expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation and has encouraged citizens to register for evacuation.

“We are appealing to those who can move to safer areas within Lebanon and those able to leave the country to do so. 

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For Kenyans with family members in Lebanon, kindly call +254114757002 for safety coordination or visit our offices at the Old Mutual Building, Ground Floor along Upper Hill Road,” the ministry stated on Tuesday. 

Those seeking evacuation can register through +96590906719, +96171175006, or +254114757002, or by filling out an online form provided by the ministry.

Kenya is one of the countries that sends a significant number of skilled laborers to Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries. 

A 2022 report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) revealed that the Kenyan community in Lebanon grew in 2021, with 3,233 new workers moving there. 

In October 2023, 1,500 more Kenyans went to Lebanon for jobs under a deal between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and various agencies.

The Kenyan Consulate in Beirut reports that the majority of Kenyans seeking jobs in Lebanon are women, primarily employed in domestic roles. 

Other skilled workers include Food/Dairy Technologists, Veterinary staff, Agricultural officers, Tourist consultants, Computer experts, Technicians, and Hotels and Restaurants staff.

The Middle East has been experiencing heightened tension this week, particularly over Iran's plans to retaliate against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh. 

On July 31, Haniyeh was killed by a "short-range projectile" fired at his guesthouse in Tehran. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that the projectile, weighing about 7kg (16lbs), caused a "strong blast," killing Haniyeh and his bodyguard. 

The assassination occurred hours after Haniyeh attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's new president, Massoud Pezeshkian.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not claimed responsibility for the attack, which has heightened concerns that the Gaza conflict may escalate into a broader Middle East war.