The State Department on Diaspora Affairs is seeking an additional budgetary allocation of Sh400 million to evacuate distressed Kenyans from conflict-prone regions, particularly Russia and Iran, as lawmakers raised concerns over the rising cost and sustainability of repatriation efforts.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, State Department for Diaspora Affairs officials led by Amb. Hellen Gichuhi said the funds are critical to support a structured evacuation programme targeting the most vulnerable abroad.
The request forms part of Supplementary Estimates that will push the department’s budget from Sh717.8 million to Sh731.8 million.
Officials told the Committee that the situation in parts of Russia and Iran has necessitated urgent interventions, citing recent evacuations that have strained available resources.
“We are currently evacuating 15 Kenyans from Iran to Turkey has already incurred significant costs,” Amb. Hellen Gichuhi told the committee. “Among them were five children, who are being prioritised under our repatriation guidelines.”
The Diaspora department emphasised that repatriation is not universal but guided by strict criteria. “We prioritise the most vulnerable children and distressed persons. It is not feasible to repatriate all Kenyans abroad, especially considering that over 500,000 reside in the Middle East alone,” Amb. Gichuhi added.
Gilgil MP, Hon. Martha Wangari sought clarity on both the evacuation figures and ongoing engagements in Russia, terming the matter “of national interest.”
“Regarding the request for Sh400 million, what criteria is used to identify beneficiaries, and how were these figures arrived at?” she posed.
In response, officials disclosed that some diplomatic engagements in Russia remain confidential but confirmed progress in securing safeguards for Kenyans.
“We have agreements in place to prevent the conscription of Kenyans into the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” the Committee heard.
Speaking on the issue of mass repatriation, however, drew caution from legislators, Kamukunji MP, Hon. Yusuf Hassan warning against an open-ended financial commitment.
“It is not sustainable to repatriate all citizens in distress abroad. There must be shared responsibility, including working with international organisations such as the IOM,” he said.
At the same time, the department revealed that it is grappling with pending bills amounting to Sh206 million, including Sh131.9 million for foreign air tickets, of which only 4.3 per cent has been settled.
Despite the financial constraints, the department reported a 100 per cent response rate to distress cases and ongoing high-level engagements in several countries, including Russia.
Officials maintained that while advisories are issued for Kenyans to leave high-risk areas, government support is reserved for those in critical need.
“We have established clear repatriation guidelines. Others who are able are facilitated to return at their own cost,” the department said.
The Hon Nelson Koech led Committee is expected to deliberate on the funding request amid growing pressure to safeguard Kenyans caught in volatile regions abroad.
By Anthony Solly
