Kenyans stranded in Lebanon under Israeli hail of fire

Hundreds of Kenyans are currently stuck in Lebanon, feeling abandoned as violence increases between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

Their daily reality is filled with the sound of bombs and gunfire, which constantly reminds them of the danger and how far they are from the safety of home.

This situation also highlights problems with the government’s plan to send workers abroad, without considering their safety in case those countries become war zones.

On Thursday, the Kenyan government stated that all Kenyans in Lebanon were safe but did not mention any plans to evacuate or move them to safer areas within the country.

Halima Mohamud, Kenya’s Ambassador to Lebanon (based in Kuwait), said the embassy is in contact with all Kenyans in Lebanon and has given them emergency contacts to call in case of danger. “No Kenyan has been hurt or killed. We are in communication with them,” she said.

However, Kenyans stranded in Lebanon tell a different story. They claim they have shared their details with the authorities but haven’t heard back since.

Most of the Kenyans in Lebanon are migrant workers, mainly women, who work in domestic and hospitality jobs. As of October last year, around 26,599 Kenyans were in Lebanon, with 1,500 more workers sent later under an agreement with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

One worker, Sharon Akinyi, who moved to Lebanon last year for a better life, said, “I came here with hopes and dreams, but now it’s like a nightmare. It feels like our government has forgotten about us.

Bombs are falling everywhere, and we are constantly scared. I don’t want to die, but it feels like death is everywhere.”

The violence in Lebanon started after Israel launched attacks on Hezbollah in response to tensions along the border. Hezbollah is allied with Hamas, which has been fighting Israel since October 2023. So far, around 400 people have died in Lebanon due to the conflict. Some Kenyans say their employers took away their passports, leaving them unable to flee.

Back in July, the Kenyan government asked its citizens in Lebanon to share their contact details, but many feel they’ve been left in the dark since then.

“Months have passed, and we haven’t heard anything. It’s like we don’t exist. Some people are still being sent here, not knowing what’s happening. How can that happen?” said Alice Kalekye, another worker.

Many Kenyans in Lebanon describe a terrifying life where bombings and gunfire have become normal. While other countries are helping their citizens leave, they feel abandoned and are begging their government to step in.

Vionah Kerubo, who works as a house manager, said, “I’m traumatized. I can’t eat or sleep. Some of us have food, but many don’t. Agents here are asking for $200 just to let us leave, but we don’t have that kind of money. We need help, and we need it now.”

Others, like Mary Kamau, are worried about their families back home. She said her employer has locked away her passport, making it impossible for her to leave. “We are desperate.

Our only way out is through our passports, but they are being held by our employers. We beg our government for help.”

Another worker, Sheila Kaduka, added, “We came here to support our families, but it’s not safe anymore. Every day we hear bombs and gunfire.

My family is worried, but I lie to them, telling them everything is okay. I’m scared, and I want to go home. Where is our government? Why isn’t anyone helping us?”

Purity Mogunde, a worker in Lebanon, said that their once-hopeful journey has turned into a nightmare.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has worsened conditions in southern Lebanon, making the entire country feel unsafe. “We need our government to take action and help us get out of here,” she pleaded.