Kenya Uncertain About Kenyans Living In Lebanon
The government has admitted that data on Kenyans living abroad is still unclear, despite ongoing efforts to fly people back from war-torn Lebanon.
The admission was made on Thursday, November 7, during a meeting between members of the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers and ministry officials.
Ministry officials were summoned to answer questions about the safety and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers and students in Lebanon.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, presented a report at the meeting, revealing that 26,599 Kenyans are currently living and working in the Middle Eastern country.
This figure, however, was a far cry from the 7,119 Kenyans in Lebanon who are documented through registration and provided their location.
While confirming that 167 Kenyans had been repatriated, the PS also stated that the Ministry intends to use an alternative airport to facilitate the evacuation of additional Kenyans from Lebanon.
“An evacuation team, led by the State Department for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, is on the ground conducting verification and clearances for evacuation. So far, 167 Kenyans have been repatriated, with another 257 expected this week,” Njogu said.
The latest revelation came after the government confirmed a significant milestone in the Lebanon evacuation mission on Thursday when 43 more Kenyans were flown back home.
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The 43 Kenyans are expected to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday, November 8.
"I'm coming home to see my parents. I am so happy……" #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/5fWK2Mcttm
— State Department for Diaspora Affairs | Kenya (@Diaspora_KE) November 7, 2024
On Wednesday, a separate group of 21 Kenyans arrived at the JKIA as a result of the government’s ongoing efforts to increase rescue operations, bringing the total number of Kenyans repatriated to 64 in the last week alone.
This figure was encouraging, particularly given the government’s initial struggles to persuade Kenyans to apply for evacuation.
Aside from students, hundreds of Kenyans moved to Lebanon in search of work in a variety of industries, including hospitality, thanks to an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Kenya Uncertain About Kenyans Living In Lebanon
