Kenyans in Middle East urged to exercise caution amid rising tensions

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei has said Kenya is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has urged Kenyans living in the region to exercise caution.

In a statement issued amid rising tensions, Sing’Oei said the government is maintaining constant communication with its diplomatic missions to ensure the safety and well-being of Kenyan nationals.

“We are following with deep concern the evolving situation in the Middle East and are in close communication with our diplomatic Missions,” he said.

The PS urged Kenyans in affected countries to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities and Kenyan embassies.

“We urge Kenyans in the region to exercise caution,” Sing’Oei stated, adding that the government stands ready to provide necessary consular support where required.

Kenya has thousands of nationals working and residing across various Middle Eastern countries, particularly in the Gulf region, where many are employed in sectors such as domestic work, construction, healthcare and hospitality.

Sing’Oei emphasised that Kenya supports diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions and restoring stability in the region.

“We stand in solidarity with countries calling for de-escalation and a return to UN Charter-based mechanisms for resolving matters in dispute,” he said.

The statement by the PS comes amid a sharp escalation of hostilities in the Middle East following reported coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian military installations, triggering retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on several locations in the Gulf region.

The strikes, described by Israeli and US officials as pre-emptive actions against what they termed imminent security threats, reportedly targeted key military facilities, air defence systems and strategic command centres inside Iran. 

Loud explosions were reported in multiple cities, with authorities in Tehran confirming damage to certain installations while vowing a “proportionate response.”

Within hours, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks aimed at sites in the Gulf believed to host U.S. military assets. 

Air defence systems were activated in several countries, with interceptions reported over parts of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait. 

Some civilian areas were placed on heightened alert, and emergency response units were deployed as a precautionary measure.

The rapid exchange has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation, with neighbouring states reinforcing security around critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, ports and airports. 

Amid the escalating tension, several governments temporarily closed portions of their airspace over the Gulf and surrounding regions. 

Major international airlines, citing safety concerns, have cancelled or rerouted flights that normally pass through Middle Eastern airspace. 

Travellers faced sudden disruptions at airports in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, with some flights delayed indefinitely as authorities reassess safety risks.

Airlines are advising passengers to stay in contact with their carriers and monitor official updates closely, while regional airports have activated emergency response protocols to manage the influx of stranded travellers.

Global markets reacted immediately to the crisis, with oil prices spiking amid fears that continued military escalation could threaten vital shipping lanes and energy production in the Gulf, a key supplier of crude oil worldwide. 

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have intensified, with the United Nations and major world powers calling for restraint and urging immediate de-escalation to prevent the conflict from widening