Ministry Sets Deadline for Kenyans Seeking Evacuation From South Africa

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has given Kenyans stranded in South Africa five days to register for evacuation, warning that the final repatriation flight will depart from Johannesburg on Thursday, July 9. The emergency evacuation programme was launched after nationwide anti-migrant protests, immigration crackdowns and xenophobic attacks escalated, threatening the safety and livelihoods of foreign nationals. In a notice shared with Kenyans.co.ke , Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu urged Kenyans wishing to return home to immediately register with the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria. Njogu said the High Commission will complete a vetting and processing exercise by Tuesday, July 7, ahead of the final evacuation flight. Kenyans repatriated from South Africa receive counselling talks at JKIA on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Photo State Dept of Diaspora Affairs "Kenyans in South Africa are advised that the evacuation exercise will conclude on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with the final repatriation flight scheduled to depart from Johannesburg on that date," Njogu said. She added that only those who have been registered, vetted and processed will be eligible to board the final flight. The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria has been serving as a temporary refuge for affected citizens, with more than 240 Kenyans registering for emergency assistance, including food, temporary accommodation and travel processing. Government data shows at least 30,000 Kenyans live and work in South Africa, most of them legally. By Thursday, July 2, the government had airlifted 180 Kenyans, following a June 30 deadline issued by anti-immigration groups demanding that African foreign nationals leave the country. The first group of 26 arrived on June 30 before additional flights brought home 48, 55 and other returnees. The unrest intensified in the lead-up to the June 30 immigration deadline targeting undocumented foreign nationals, with demonstrations in several areas turning violent and forcing many migrants to flee. Returnees have described looting, home invasions, physical assaults and the destruction of foreign-owned businesses, leaving many with significant financial losses. Many Kenyans employed in retail shops, supermarkets, salons and other small businesses lost their jobs and property during the violence, forcing them to return home with little or nothing. For assistance, affected Kenyans can contact the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria on +27 76 177 2675 or the 24-hour Diaspora Call and Response Centre on +254 20 7876 000 or +254 11 4757 000. Kenyans repatriated from South Africa receive counselling talks at JKIA on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Photo State Dept of Diaspora Affairs