By Jean-Pierre A.
Kenya has issued a travel and safety advisory to its citizens living in or transiting through Gulf states following US-Israel attacks on Iran, which were subsequently retaliated with Tehran’s strikes across the region.
In a statement dated Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the advisory follows attacks by Israeli-US coalition forces on Iran on Saturday morning and retaliatory attacks by Iran on Israel, US bases, and other targets in some Gulf states.
The ministry urged Kenyans in Iran, Israel, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and surrounding areas to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential movement — especially near military facilities and crowded public spaces — and follow guidance from local security authorities.
Following the attacks last weekend, several Kenyans and other residents in the affected countries posted videos on social media showing intercepted missiles and damaged infrastructure amid scenes of panic.
A number of countries in the region have closed their airspace, while several airlines have suspended operations, leaving travellers stranded.
Kenya’s government also advised its citizens in the region to remain alert, monitor official communications from host governments, and be aware of possible flight and airspace disruptions.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has condemned the strikes on the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in what he described as “the evolving conflict in the Middle East.”
The ministry further asked Kenyans who have not registered with their nearest Kenyan mission to do so immediately to enable timely updates and emergency assistance.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with Kenya’s diplomatic missions in the region, adding that further updates will be issued through official platforms.
The US-Israel strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting Israel and Middle Eastern allies of the US that host military bases and other interests.
The US-Israel coalition claims the recent attacks aim to end Iran’s nuclear programme and overthrow the country’s leadership.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks have hit several Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman.
President Donald Trump has signalled that the US-Israel military assault on Iranian targets could continue for weeks as the conflict escalates in the region.
According to official data, an estimated three million Africans work in the Gulf states, mostly in low-skilled sectors such as hospitality, construction, security, and domestic work.
Key source countries for Africa’s migrant labour include Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned the missile and drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
The Chairperson has called for immediate de-escalation, “maximum restraint by all parties, and a swift return to dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path toward sustainable peace and regional stability.”
