Kenyans in South Africa Told to Stay Lawful as Repatriation Continues

The Kenyan government has urged its citizens in South Africa to follow local laws as evacuation efforts continue amid ongoing xenophobic protests.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said maintaining valid immigration documents is essential to support the evacuation process. In a statement issued on Thursday, 2 July, Mudavadi called on Kenyans living abroad to respect the laws of their host countries and ensure their immigration status remains valid. He said keeping legal documents up to date would help authorities carry out orderly repatriation as evacuation operations continue.

The protests began on 30 June after South African groups set a deadline demanding that foreign nationals leave the country. Protesters claim that immigration has increased unemployment by taking jobs away from local residents. In response to the unrest, Kenya launched a structured evacuation programme for citizens considered to be at greatest risk.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said 240 Kenyans had registered with the High Commission in Pretoria for assistance. Of those, 151 have already returned to Kenya, with several groups arriving in Nairobi between 30 June and 1 July.

A further 55 citizens were due to arrive on Thursday evening. Those waiting to leave have received temporary accommodation, food, emergency travel documents and additional support for vulnerable people, including infants.

Mudavadi said he had spoken with South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, who assured him that the government was taking steps to protect foreign nationals, including Kenyans. The ministry said most of the estimated 27,000 Kenyans living in South Africa continue to live and work there without disruption.

Kenya said its immediate priority is to ensure the safe return of citizens who need assistance while advising those who remain in South Africa to stay alert and comply with local laws.