Roseline Njogu Leads Government Efforts to Safeguard Kenyans in the Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

By John Kariuki

 As geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, the Kenyan government has heightened its vigilance to safeguard the welfare and security of thousands of its citizens living and working across the Middle East.

The Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, is overseeing a coordinated government response aimed at ensuring that Kenyans in the region remain safe and informed as the volatile security situation unfolds.

 The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has activated a 24 hour emergency response system to monitor developments closely and maintain constant communication with Kenyan embassies and diaspora communities across the Middle East.

Njogu has reiterated that the government’s foremost priority remains the safety, rights, and welfare of every Kenyan abroad. She noted that the department has intensified its engagement with diplomatic missions in the region while urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to safety advisories issued by local authorities and Kenyan embassies.

The government has also encouraged Kenyans residing in the Middle East to register through the official diaspora digital platform, a move intended to streamline communication and facilitate rapid assistance should the situation deteriorate. The registration exercise forms part of broader preparedness measures that include continuous coordination with ambassadors and contingency planning to respond swiftly to any emerging threats.

Government data shows that the Middle East hosts a significant Kenyan population spread across several countries. More than 300,000 Kenyans reside in Saudi Arabia, over 70,000 live in Qatar, while between 60,000 and 80,000 Kenyans are based in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, more than 1,100 Kenyans are currently in Iran and Israel, countries that remain at the center of the escalating tensions.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has already responded to numerous distress inquiries from Kenyans in the region, particularly from the Gulf states including the UAE and Bahrain, as families back home closely monitor developments with growing concern.

Njogu has also cautioned against the spread of misinformation during the unfolding crisis, warning that unverified reports circulating online risk causing unnecessary panic among Kenyans abroad and their families. She urged the public to rely solely on official government communication channels for accurate updates and guidance.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs continues to pursue broader reforms aimed at strengthening the protection and welfare of Kenyans living overseas. These initiatives include improving repatriation procedures for deceased Kenyans abroad and facilitating ethical international labor mobility programs such as the Muuguzi Majuu initiative, which has opened pathways for Kenyan healthcare professionals seeking employment opportunities abroad.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the Kenyan government remains on high alert, maintaining close contact with diplomatic missions and diaspora communities to ensure that every Kenyan in the region receives timely information and necessary support.

Kenyans residing in the Middle East have been encouraged to register for safety updates through the government diaspora platform at https://platform.diaspora.go.ke/⁠�, while those requiring urgent assistance can contact the emergency hotline at +254 114 757 002.