Kenya Issues Advisory As Middle East Conflict Escalates

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Nairobi has activated emergency consular contacts and advised citizens in at least ten Middle East countries to register with embassies amid escalating hostilities.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued the advisory Sunday following fresh military exchanges involving Israel, the United States and Iran that have heightened regional tensions.

In a statement, the ministry said the alert followed attacks by Israeli and US forces on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and US bases in Gulf states.

“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs wishes to advise Kenyans residing or traveling through the Middle East to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety,” the statement reads.

The advisory covers Kenyans in Iran, Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq, as well as surrounding areas affected by the security situation.

Citizens were urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential movement, especially near military installations and crowded public spaces considered potential targets.

They were further directed to comply with instructions from local security authorities and closely monitor official communication from host governments on travel and safety updates.

“Exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential movement, especially near high-risk areas such as military facilities and crowded public spaces,” the ministry said.

The government also warned of possible flight and airspace disruptions as several countries review security arrangements in response to the unfolding military confrontation.

The ministry further urged Kenyans to be aware of flight and airspace disruptions, advising travellers to check with airlines and relevant authorities before making or altering travel plans.

Kenyans who have not registered with their nearest embassy or consulate were asked to do so immediately to facilitate timely updates and emergency assistance.

In case of emergencies, citizens were directed to contact the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate using official telephone numbers provided by the ministry.

The ministry said it continues to assess the evolving situation in coordination with Kenya’s diplomatic missions across the region and will issue further updates through official platforms.

The latest escalation began Saturday after Israeli and US forces struck targets inside Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel and US-linked installations in parts of the Gulf.

The exchanges have raised fears of wider regional instability, with governments monitoring security risks and potential disruptions to air travel and civilian movement across the Middle East.