The first batch of Kenyan nationals evacuated from Iran landed safely at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on June 29.

In a statement issued on June 30, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Kathure Njogu, confirmed their arrival and reception at the airport.

"The initial group of Kenyan evacuees from Iran arrived on Sunday morning and were received by our Diaspora team at JKIA," said Njogu.

She further noted that the government’s evacuation initiative is ongoing, with a dedicated multiagency team in Nairobi working around the clock to ensure the safe return of all citizens still in Iran.

Njogu expressed her appreciation for the teams involved in the effort. “We are grateful to the multiagency team here in Nairobi for their tireless work in bringing our people home, and particularly to our embassies in Tehran and Ankara for their support,” she stated.

While the government has yet to reveal the exact number of Kenyans awaiting evacuation, officials have assured that the repatriation process will continue in the coming days.

Earlier, on June 21, the Diaspora Affairs Department issued a notice urging Kenyans residing in Iran and Israel to register their details to facilitate swift assistance during emergencies.

“To enable us to support you more effectively in times of crisis, we urge you to submit your information to the department,” the notice read.

The government provided direct contact information and registration links for Kenyans in both countries. In Iran, citizens were advised to contact the Kenyan Embassy via +98 21 88667394, +98 21 88667368, or email.

For those in Israel, the Embassy can be reached at +972 3 5754633 or +972 54 691 4773. The State Department is also reachable through +254 207 876 000 or +254 114 757 002.

These evacuation efforts were prompted by rising tensions between Iran and Israel, which led to a safety advisory issued on June 18. In that advisory, the government urged Kenyans in both countries to remain alert, avoid unnecessary movement, keep vital documents and emergency supplies within reach, stay updated via credible news sources, and strictly follow instructions from local authorities.

Last October, the government allocated Sh100 million to support the evacuation of Kenyans amid the Israel-Lebanon conflict.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the Senate that the administration was committed to safeguarding the 26,000 Kenyans living in the region during the volatile situation in the Middle East.

Several other countries, including some from Africa, have also begun evacuating their citizens from Iran and Israel due to the ongoing instability.