The government is asking thousands of Kenyans living in the Middle East to exercise caution as fighting in the region escalates following the bombing of Iran on Saturday morning.
In the wee hours of Saturday, the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Tehran, which, according to reports, has begun retaliatory attacks.
As of this evening, state media in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said one person had been killed in Abu Dhabi after Iran launched attacks targeting U.S. military bases.
At the same time, several Gulf Arab states said they were targeted by Iranian missiles, as panic engulfs the region.
Qatar’s military said in a statement that it had intercepted incoming Iranian missiles; however, several successive waves of blasts were heard in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The Embassy of Kenya in Doha has said it is closely monitoring recent developments in Qatar and the wider Middle East and remains in contact with Qatari authorities.
Adding, “We urge the Kenyan community to remain calm, follow official guidance, and rely on verified government platforms for updates.”
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei expresses deep concern over the evolving situation following ongoing attacks, urging Kenyans in the region to exercise caution.
“We are following with deep concern the evolving situation in the Middle East and are in close communication with our diplomatic Missions,” he said in a statement on social media.
“We urge Kenyans in the region to exercise caution. We stand in solidarity with countries calling for de-escalation and a return to UN Charter-based mechanisms for resolving matters in dispute,” he added.
As a result of a barrage of air attacks targeting various Gulf nations, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq and Israel have closed their airspaces. Oman has closed its airport. This could make evacuations complicated.
Dubai Airport has closed indefinitely, further indicating the quickly changing situation in the region.
As of 2024, over 400,000 Kenyans were living and working in the Middle East, with a large contingent, 310,266 people, working in Saudi Arabia, mostly as domestic and service workers.
It is estimated that over 66,000 Kenyans are living and working in Qatar, while between 23,000 and 40,000 are in the UAE.