As Bombs Fall, Kenya Sets Deadline for Kenyans in Lebanon to Register for Rescue
The government has issued a warning to citizens stuck in war-ravaged Lebanon, setting an 11-day deadline for them to register for evacuation.
As the situation worsens with ongoing hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, Kenyans have until October 12 to secure their spot in government-facilitated rescue operations.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs expressed alarm over the low registration numbers, urging those trapped to act swiftly. Many Kenyans in Lebanon, primarily domestic workers, have been caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict, with some unable to escape due to their employers withholding their passports.
Disturbing footage circulating on social media paints a grim picture. In one video, a Kenyan woman named Brenda Muthoni, trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building pleads for help.
A section of Southern Lebanon in fire after a bombing, on September 23.
Photo
Hamdah Salhut
“The house has collapsed, and explosions are everywhere. My boss fled to Switzerland, leaving me behind,” she narrates, her voice shaking. Muthoni’s situation is echoed by others, who find themselves abandoned by their employers as the violence spirals out of control.
Muthoni’s account highlights the dangers many Kenyans face. With their employers fleeing the country, workers have been left stranded, some even locked inside homes with no means of escape. Reports indicate that these workers are unable to retrieve their passports, effectively preventing their departure from the embattled region.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, called on all Kenyans in Lebanon to register immediately. “We are deeply concerned that many have not yet come forward despite our repeated appeals. Time is running out, and only registered individuals will be eligible for evacuation,” she emphasised.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by a video showing a Kenyan woman running through the streets of Beirut as explosions sound in the background. Her plea for divine intervention — “Mungu shuka na usitumane” — encapsulates the desperation felt by many in Lebanon. The increasing intensity of the conflict has moved closer to areas where Kenyan workers reside, worsening their chances of safe passage.
The government, however, remains committed to the evacuation efforts. Two groups of Kenyans have already been flown back home, and the Ministry assures that no Kenyan will be left behind. Kenya’s non-resident Ambassador to Lebanon, Halima Mohamud, based in Kuwait, confirmed that communication channels remain open with those still stranded.
“We are in touch with all Kenyans in Lebanon. So far, no one has been reported dead or injured,” Mohamud stated.
There are approximately 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon, many of whom arrived to take up jobs in the domestic and hospitality sectors under an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. However, the sudden outbreak of violence has thrown their lives into turmoil, leaving them dependent on government efforts for their safety.
The registration process, which can be completed online, is now the lifeline for those seeking rescue. Failure to register by the 12th October deadline will mean missing out on critical evacuation efforts, which the government has stressed cannot be delayed.
The Ministry is urging Kenyans in Lebanon to register immediately via the provided online platform or contact the government directly using the emergency numbers shared. “Register through , or contact us on the following numbers for communication and coordination: +96590906719, +96171175006, +254114757002.”
A section of Southern Lebanon in fire after a bombing, on September 23.
Photo
Mario Nawfal
