NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenyan government has announced that its emergency evacuation programme from South Africa will conclude next week, urging citizens still seeking repatriation to register immediately for what will be the final rescue flight.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 3, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs said the last evacuation flight is scheduled to depart Johannesburg on July 9, 2026, bringing to an end a government-led operation launched after a surge in anti-migrant unrest and xenophobic attacks across parts of South Africa.
Officials warned that only Kenyans who complete registration and verification procedures through the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria will be eligible to board the final flight.
“Those who require evacuation must register immediately with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria and present themselves at the Mission for vetting not later than Tuesday, 7th July 2026,” the statement said.
The ministry added that only individuals who have been registered, vetted and processed will be cleared for repatriation.
Government thanks Kenyan diaspora community
The government praised Kenyan community organisations in South Africa, particularly the Kenya Diaspora Association in South Africa (KEDASA), for working alongside diplomatic officials and local authorities during the crisis.
“The Government of Kenya expresses sincere gratitude to the Kenyan community in South Africa, led by the Kenya Diaspora Association in South Africa (KEDASA) and its leadership, for maintaining peace and cooperating with consular teams and local authorities during the evacuation,” the statement said.
Officials said Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Pretoria would continue monitoring the security situation even after the evacuation exercise ends.
Hundreds already repatriated
The announcement follows weeks of emergency operations aimed at assisting Kenyans affected by the unrest.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi recently confirmed that more than 150 Kenyans had already returned home, while additional groups were awaiting transport arrangements.
Government figures show that approximately 240 Kenyans registered for evacuation assistance through the High Commission in Pretoria as concerns over safety mounted.
The repatriation programme has included:
- Transport from various South African provinces to Johannesburg;
- Emergency travel documentation for affected citizens;
- Flights back to Kenya;
- Temporary accommodation;
- Food and humanitarian assistance;
- Psychosocial support for vulnerable evacuees.
Kenyan authorities also introduced temporary safe-passage arrangements to enable undocumented citizens to travel to the High Commission and obtain emergency travel documents without immediate immigration complications.
Unrest reignites concerns over xenophobia
The evacuation programme was triggered by a fresh wave of anti-migrant protests that intensified in several South African provinces ahead of demonstrations held on June 30.
The protests were organised by groups calling for stricter immigration controls and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, others reportedly escalated into violence, looting and attacks targeting migrant-owned businesses and foreign nationals.
South African authorities have condemned the violence and increased police deployments in affected areas while continuing immigration enforcement operations.
Also Read: South Africa’s xenophobia crisis: Why anti-migrant violence keeps returning
The latest unrest has revived longstanding concerns about xenophobia in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of anti-foreigner violence have occurred over the past two decades.
According to South African government data and academic studies, foreign nationals constitute a relatively small proportion of the country’s population, but migrants are frequently blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services during periods of economic hardship.
Regional response
Kenya is among several African countries that have organised repatriation efforts for citizens affected by the unrest.
Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique and other nations have also coordinated evacuations and offered consular support to nationals seeking to leave South Africa.
Kenyan officials have continued advising citizens remaining in South Africa to:
- Avoid protest areas;
- Carry valid identification documents;
- Remain in contact with the Kenya High Commission;
- Follow instructions issued by local authorities.
With the final evacuation flight scheduled for July 9, Kenyan authorities say the current operation represents the last government-funded opportunity for citizens seeking immediate repatriation from South Africa under the emergency programme.
