Fifteen Kenyans stranded in Iran amid escalating tensions in the Middle East have safely returned home following a government-coordinated evacuation.
The group arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning after transiting through Türkiye. The operation was organized to ensure the safe repatriation of Kenyan citizens from the volatile region.
Upon arrival, the evacuees were received by officials from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, led by Peter Burugu, representing Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu. The returnees underwent a debriefing and received immediate psychosocial support to help them cope with the distressing experiences they endured while confined indoors for safety in Iran.
Many of the evacuees appeared visibly relieved, with the successful evacuation bringing an end to days of anxiety and uncertainty for them and their families.
The evacuation underscores Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding its nationals abroad, particularly in high-risk areas. The operation was facilitated through close coordination between the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and Kenyan diplomatic missions in Tehran and Ankara.
This latest rescue forms part of a broader pattern of government interventions in crisis zones, reflecting increased attention to the welfare of Kenyans in the diaspora. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to monitoring global developments and taking swift action when citizens’ safety is at risk.
As geopolitical tensions persist in parts of the Middle East, the government continues to urge Kenyans living abroad to remain vigilant and maintain close contact with Kenyan embassies for timely support and guidance.
