The Kenyan government has announced that the evacuation of its citizens from South Africa will wrap up next week. It encourages all Kenyans still looking to return home to register immediately for the last rescue flight.
In a statement from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs on Friday, July 3, 2026, the government confirmed that the final evacuation flight will leave Johannesburg on Thursday, July 9, 2026. This marks the conclusion of the emergency operation initiated due to rising xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The government expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Kenyan community in South Africa, especially the Kenya Diaspora Association (KEDASA), for their close collaboration with consular officials and local authorities throughout the evacuation process.
“The Government of Kenya sincerely thanks the Kenyan community in South Africa, led by KEDASA, for fostering peace and cooperating with consular teams and local authorities during the evacuation,” the statement highlighted.
Kenyans in South Africa should note that the evacuation will end on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with the final repatriation flight departing from Johannesburg.
The ministry urges Kenyans wishing to return home to finalize their registration with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria before the deadline.
“Therefore, those needing evacuation must register immediately with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria and present themselves for vetting by Tuesday, July 7, 2026,” the statement advised.
Only individuals who have registered, been vetted, and processed will be permitted to board the final repatriation flight.
Officials indicated that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will keep monitoring the situation in South Africa even after the evacuation concludes.
Hundreds have already been evacuated. The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of significant progress in assisting Kenyans affected by the unrest.
On Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi shared that 151 Kenyans have already returned to Nairobi, with another 55 citizens expected on upcoming flights. As of July 2, a total of 240 Kenyans had registered with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria, seeking government assistance.
The evacuation program has included transportation from various locations in South Africa to Johannesburg, emergency travel documentation, commercial flights back to Kenya, and humanitarian support for those in distress. The initiative has provided safe accommodation, food, essential supplies, and psychosocial support to vulnerable evacuees, including families with young children.
Before the operation commenced, Kenyan authorities issued temporary safe-passage arrangements, allowing undocumented Kenyans to travel to the High Commission in Pretoria to obtain emergency travel documents without fear of immigration-related issues.
The evacuation was prompted by a recent surge in anti-foreigner protests and xenophobic attacks across parts of South Africa in recent weeks.
The unrest escalated ahead of nationwide demonstrations on June 30, 2026, where anti-immigration groups called for undocumented foreign nationals to exit the country. This violence has led to deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of migrants from several African nations, prompting various governments to organize evacuation efforts for their citizens.
Many foreign nationals reported assaults, threats, and being forced to flee their homes and businesses as anti-migrant sentiment intensified in several South African cities. South African authorities have increased police presence and condemned acts of violence while continuing immigration enforcement operations.
Throughout this crisis, Kenyan authorities have consistently advised citizens in South Africa to steer clear of protest areas, stay indoors when possible, carry valid identification, and maintain close contact with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria.
