Kenya issues travel advisory as Middle East conflict escalates

Kenya issued an urgent advisory to its citizens living in or travelling through the Middle East following a sharp escalation of hostilities involving Israel, the United States and Iran.

In a statement released Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the advisory follows reported attacks by Israeli and U.S. forces on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting Israel and U.S. military installations in parts of the Gulf region.

The Ministry warned that the deteriorating security situation could pose risks to Kenyan nationals across several countries in the region, including Iran, Israel, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq.

“Following attacks by Israeli and U.S. forces on Iran Saturday morning and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel and U.S. bases in some Gulf states, the Ministry wishes to advise Kenyans residing or traveling through the Middle East to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety,” the statement said.

Kenyans in the affected countries have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential movement, particularly near military installations and crowded public spaces that could become potential targets.

The Ministry further advised citizens to strictly comply with guidance issued by local security authorities, remain alert and monitor official communications from host governments regarding travel and safety updates.

In addition, Kenyans have been cautioned to anticipate possible flight cancellations and airspace disruptions as several countries review security protocols in response to the unfolding conflict.

Those who have not registered with their nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate have been urged to do so immediately to facilitate timely updates and emergency assistance if required.

The Ministry provided emergency contact details for Kenyan missions in Tehran, Tel Aviv, Kuwait City, Muscat, Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, assuring citizens that consular teams remain on standby.

Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government continues to assess the situation and remains in close contact with Kenya’s diplomatic missions across the region.

“We will continue to provide further updates and guidance through official platforms as the situation evolves,” he said.

Thousands of Kenyans live and work across the Middle East, particularly in Gulf states, making the region one of Kenya’s largest diaspora hubs. Authorities say safeguarding their welfare remains a top priority amid the growing uncertainty.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AND DIASPORA AFFAIRS

EMERGENCY CONTACTS, KENYAN EMBASSIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

Embassy of Kenya in Iran (Tehran)

Telephone: +98 996 672 7549

Embassy of Kenya in Israel (Tel Aviv)

Telephone: +972542540394

Embassy of Kenya in Kuwait (Kuwait City)

Telephone: +965 9090 6719

Embassy of Kenya in Oman (Muscat)

+96871598400& +96893601448.

Embassy of Kenya in Qatar (Doha)

Telephone: +97444931870

Embassy of Kenya in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Telephone: +966500755060

Jeddah (Consulate-General)

Telephone: +966125784718

Embassy of Kenya in the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi

Telephone: +971 54 220 8646

Dubai (Consulate-General)

Telephone: +971 50 870 4117