The Kenyan government has officially launched an emergency procedure to repatriate its citizens living in the Middle East and Iran. Faced with escalating conflicts in the region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an additional 400 million shillings (approximately €2.5 million) from Parliament on Thursday, March 19.

Logistics under high pressure

The challenge is immense for Nairobi, which has made the export of labor (drivers, factory workers, domestic staff) a pillar of its economic policy in recent years. Today, nearly half a million Kenyans are trapped by the fighting.

1. The urgency on the ground: Testimonies, such as that of Wafula in Qatar, show nationals filming the bombings from their homes.
2. Perilous journeys: Helen Gichuhi, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cited the example of 15 Kenyans fleeing Iran by road to Turkey in the hope of a return flight.
3. Prioritization: Lacking unlimited resources, the government prioritizes children, families, and the sick.

Opposition vehemently opposed to the cost of the operation

While the plight of expatriates is causing concern, the cost is worrying some in the political class. The opposition denounces the promise as unrealistic given the country's finances.

"We simply don't have the money. Even the United States has publicly admitted that it cannot afford to repatriate all its citizens. We must be aware of our limitations!" — Yussuf Hassan Abdi , MP.

The role of Kenya Airways

To carry out this airlift, Nairobi plans to rely on its national airline. Kenya Airways has already begun planning special flights, notably to Dubai, to kickstart what is shaping up to be one of the largest repatriation operations in the country's history.