by EKISA ZABLON
Sunday November 24, 2024
- The arrivals took place at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday and Friday, with 40 individuals arriving on Thursday and another 23 on Friday.
- The operation was led by a multi-agency team spearheaded by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
Kenyans arriving in JKIA from Lebanon
A total of 63 Kenyans were welcomed back home this week after being evacuated from Lebanon in a government-coordinated effort.
The arrivals took place at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday and Friday, with 40 individuals arriving on Thursday and another 23 on Friday.
The operation was led by a multi-agency team spearheaded by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
"The Department along with key partners such as the International Organization for Migration has been working round the clock to ensure the safety of Kenyans in Lebanon and facilitate their safe return home."
This comes after a group of 39 Kenyans were also evacuated from Lebanon earlier this month.
The Kenyans who were evacuated had received counselling services from the multi-agency team before departing for Kenya.
“The 39 Kenyans were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by government officials led by officers from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, family and friends."
The government stated that it is focused on protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyans abroad.
“The government of Kenya, through collaboration with state and non-state actors, remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad.
This includes not only facilitating evacuations but also providing necessary support to those in need,” the statement said.
The development comes as hostilities between Lebanon and Israel escalate as the Jewish state hunts down Hezbollah operatives inside Lebanon through ground and air operation that has left thousands dead and scores of others displaced.
Kenyans are being evacuated in batches and more are to be expected to arrive in the coming days.
The government said it will continue with efforts of bringing back home Kenyans who have expressed willingness to return.
More than 7,000 Kenyans are stranded in Lebanon and have already registered for evacuation.
The Government advises those considering traveling to Lebanon to reconsider, as it is currently unsafe.