Kenya Seeks Sh400 Million to Repatriate Citizens in Distress from Russia and Middle East

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has requested an additional Sh400 million to evacuate Kenyans facing distress in conflict-prone regions, particularly Russia and Iran, as lawmakers questioned the sustainability and cost of repatriation efforts.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, officials led by Ambassador Hellen Gichuhi said the extra funding is critical for a structured evacuation programme targeting the most vulnerable citizens abroad. The request forms part of Supplementary Estimates, which would raise the department’s budget from Sh717.8 million to Sh1.117.8 million.

Amb. Gichuhi highlighted that recent evacuations have already stretched the department’s resources. “We are currently evacuating 15 Kenyans from Iran to Turkey, including five children, who are being prioritised under our repatriation guidelines,” she told the committee.

The department clarified that repatriation is not universal, emphasizing that only those in critical need, including children and vulnerable individuals, are eligible. “It is not feasible to repatriate all Kenyans abroad, especially considering that over 500,000 reside in the Middle East alone,” Amb. Gichuhi added.

Lawmakers sought clarity on the evacuation figures and ongoing diplomatic efforts. Gilgil MP Hon. Martha Wangari asked, “Regarding the request for Sh400 million, what criteria is used to identify beneficiaries, and how were these figures arrived at?”

Officials disclosed that some engagements in Russia remain confidential but assured the committee that progress has been made in securing safeguards for Kenyans. “We have agreements in place to prevent the conscription of Kenyans into the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” they confirmed.

Kamukunji MP Hon. Yusuf Hassan cautioned against open-ended financial commitments, noting that repatriating all citizens in distress abroad is unsustainable. “There must be shared responsibility, including collaboration with international organisations such as the IOM,” he said.

The department also revealed that pending bills currently amount to Sh206 million, including Sh131.9 million for foreign air tickets, of which only 4.3 per cent has been settled. Despite these constraints, officials reported a 100 per cent response rate to distress cases and continued high-level engagements in several countries, including Russia.

Officials reiterated that government support is reserved for those in critical need, while advisories encourage others to leave high-risk areas independently. “We have established clear repatriation guidelines. Others who are able are facilitated to return at their own cost,” the department said.

The committee, led by Hon. Nelson Koech, is expected to deliberate on the funding request amid growing pressure to safeguard Kenyans caught in volatile regions abroad.