Kenya government has asked Parliament to approve an additional KSh400 billion to support emergency evacuations of citizens stranded abroad, particularly in volatile regions such as the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the Senate Committee on National Security that the current budget allocated to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is inadequate to respond to large scale international emergencies.
Mudavadi said escalating geopolitical tensions could necessitate urgent evacuations requiring significant logistical and financial resources. The funding request is aimed at strengthening Kenya preparedness and ensuring timely interventions for citizens facing imminent danger.
He said the government had already submitted a requisition for additional resources, warning that pressure from the Middle East crisis could demand a more aggressive response to assist Kenyans abroad.
Trafficking and evacuation pressures
Mudavadi also disclosed figures linked to human trafficking cases involving Kenyans overseas. Since 2022, a total of 751 Kenyans have been rescued from trafficking networks in Myanmar.
Out of these, 615 have been repatriated while 39 remain imprisoned due to illegal entry or repeat offences after returning through unauthorized channels.
In Southeast Asia, Kenya has stepped up efforts to assist its nationals caught in exploitative situations. In Cambodia, 323 Kenyans were rescued between January and March 2026, with 234 already repatriated.
However, 89 remain stranded and are awaiting return arrangements. In Thailand, 14 Kenyans are detained for immigration violations including the use of forged entry stamps.
Officials say the cases highlight growing risks faced by Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad, often through unregulated channels.
The government has urged citizens to verify overseas job offers through licensed agencies and official government platforms.
The proposed funding, if approved, is expected to significantly improve Kenya ability to respond to emergencies involving its citizens overseas.