Kenya mobilises Middle East ambassadors for urgent coordination amid conflict

The Kenyan government has begun urgent diplomatic coordination to safeguard its citizens living across the Middle East following the rapid escalation of conflict in the region.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs held a high-level hybrid meeting in Nairobi with Kenya’s ambassadors stationed in Middle Eastern countries. The session brought together senior government officials and diplomatic representatives to review developments and discuss measures aimed at protecting Kenyan nationals in areas affected by the growing instability.

The meeting was led by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei and Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu. Discussions focused on strengthening communication channels between embassies, consulates and the ministry headquarters in Nairobi to ensure swift response if the security situation worsens.

Authorities urged Kenyans residing or working in Middle Eastern countries to register with the nearest Kenyan embassy or through the government’s diaspora registration platform. The move is intended to help officials track citizens and facilitate assistance or evacuation if required.

According to the ministry, the coordination effort is designed to improve real-time information sharing and ensure diplomatic missions remain prepared to respond to emergencies affecting Kenyan nationals.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has condemned the widening violence across the region, warning that the spread of hostilities to multiple Gulf states threatens global stability. He criticised attacks reported in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified in recent days following retaliatory strikes by Iran after earlier attacks by the United States and Israel reportedly killed senior Iranian leaders. Explosions have been reported in several Gulf cities, including Dubai, Manama and Doha, raising fears that the conflict could expand further across the region.