Govt Admits: Unclear on Number of Kenyans Living Abroad
The government has acknowledged that data on Kenyans residing abroad remains imprecise as efforts continue to repatriate people from war-affected Lebanon.
This admission surfaced on Thursday, November 7, during a session involving the Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers and representatives from the Ministry.
Officials from the Ministry were called upon to address concerns regarding the security and well-being of Kenyan workers and students currently in Lebanon.
At the session, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu presented data revealing that 26,599 Kenyans are currently based in Lebanon for work and other purposes.
This number contrasts sharply with the 7,119 Kenyans in Lebanon who have been documented via registration, which includes detailed information on their whereabouts.
Confirming the repatriation of 167 Kenyans, the PS also mentioned plans by the Ministry to use an alternative airport to expedite further evacuations from Lebanon.
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“An evacuation team led by the State Department for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs is actively engaged on the ground, carrying out verification and clearances for evacuation. To date, 167 Kenyans have returned, with another 257 expected in the coming week,” stated Njogu.
This update followed a major step in the Lebanon repatriation initiative on Thursday when 43 more Kenyans were flown back to Kenya.
The 43 individuals are scheduled to arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday, November 8.
Earlier, on Wednesday, a separate group of 21 Kenyans landed at JKIA, marking a cumulative total of 64 Kenyans repatriated over the past week as part of the government’s intensified rescue efforts.
This recent progress has been promising, given the initial challenges faced by the government in encouraging Kenyans to sign up for evacuation.
In addition to students, hundreds of Kenyans who relocated to Lebanon pursued job opportunities in fields such as hospitality through an agreement facilitated by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Govt Admits: Unclear on Number of Kenyans Living Abroad
