The government has raised the alarm over scammers targeting Kenyans stranded in war-torn Lebanon.
According to the government, with the conflict escalating between Lebanon and Israel, unscrupulous individuals are exploiting the vulnerable, offering false promises of evacuation for a fee.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has warned that these fraudsters, operating under specific phone numbers, are charging Kenyans for fake rescue services. “We urge all Kenyans currently in Lebanon to be cautious and avoid paying any fees for evacuation,” the ministry emphasised.
“The government’s evacuation services are free of charge, and any reports of individuals requesting payment for such assistance should be immediately reported.”
A section of Southern Lebanon in fire after a bombing, on September 23.
Photo
Mario Nawfal
The ministry also shared emergency contact details for reporting suspicious activities or seeking support, urging Kenyans to reach out to the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait or email consular@diaspora.go.ke.
The situation in Lebanon has worsened as Israeli airstrikes continue to pound Beirut, with Thursday’s bombing causing significant destruction near the international airport. Explosions were reported close to Hezbollah strongholds, and media reports suggest that high-ranking officials linked to Hezbollah were targeted.
As the violence escalates, the Kenyan government has set an 11-day deadline for citizens in Lebanon to register for evacuation. The deadline, October 12, is a critical cut-off for securing a place in government-led rescue operations, which are funded entirely by the state.
Many Kenyans, especially domestic workers, have found themselves trapped in Lebanon without access to their passports, which have been withheld by employers. The ongoing hostilities, coupled with economic instability, have made it nearly impossible for them to leave the country without government assistance.
The Ministry expressed concern over the low number of registrations so far, urging Kenyans to act quickly. Failure to register by the deadline will mean missing out on vital evacuation efforts. “Time is running out,” the Ministry warned, “and the situation in Lebanon is becoming more dangerous by the day.”
Social media has been flooded with harrowing images of the destruction. One particularly disturbing video shows a Kenyan woman, Brenda Muthoni, trapped beneath rubble and pleading for help. Her story is one of many highlighting the desperation faced by Kenyans caught in the crossfire.
There are around 26,599 Kenyans currently residing in Lebanon, primarily working in domestic and hospitality sectors. Many travelled there through an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but the sudden outbreak of violence has left them at the mercy of ongoing government evacuation efforts.
The Ministry has stressed that the registration process, which can be done online, is now a lifeline for those seeking safety. Citizens are urged to contact the government directly using the emergency numbers provided: +96590906719, +96171175006, or +254114757002.
State Department of Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu during a past engagement on August 7, 2024.
Photo
PS Njogu
