Kenya Warns Nationals in South Africa as Xenophobic Violence Escalates

The Kenyan government has called on its citizens living in South Africa to stay alert following rising tensions and isolated incidents targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria issued the advisory on May 4, directing it at hundreds of thousands of Kenyans who work, study, and conduct business across South Africa, many of whom now face growing uncertainty amid sporadic demonstrations.

“The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria wishes to advise all Kenyan nationals residing in the Republic of South Africa to exercise caution and remain vigilant in light of recent demonstrations and isolated incidents reported in some parts of the Republic of South Africa affecting foreign nationals,” the commission said in a statement.

The High Commission has also warned Kenyans to steer clear of areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place and to closely follow guidance that local authorities issue.

The commission also urged the more than 40,000 Kenyans residing in South Africa to carry valid identification and relevant documentation at all times to avoid being caught off guard in tense situations.

Additionally, the High Commission called on its citizens to maintain contact with local security agencies and report any attacks targeting them.

“In the event of any incident or emergency, Kenyan nationals are advised to report the same to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and to inform the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria for appropriate assistance,” the High Commission said.

The advisory comes as South Africa experiences a sharp resurgence of xenophobic violence in late April and early May 2026, with mobs attacking foreign nationals across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the Eastern Cape provinces. Armed vigilante groups have looted and destroyed foreign-owned businesses, displacing over a thousand immigrants in Durban alone. Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Lesotho have been among the hardest hit.

Operation Dudula and similar groups have been leading protests demanding the expulsion of foreign nationals, blaming migrants for rising unemployment, crime, and drug abuse amid South Africa’s deepening economic difficulties. Local political figures and community leaders stand accused of worsening tensions by spreading anti-immigrant narratives, risking the unfair scapegoating of foreign nationals for deep-rooted economic challenges they did not create.

Global criticism of the xenophobic violence has grown louder, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressing that such acts of hatred stand in stark contrast to the international solidarity once shown to South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle.

In response, Nigeria recalled its envoy and arranged evacuations for its citizens, while Ghana and Zimbabwe called for enhanced protection of migrants. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has also pressed for swift investigations and the prosecution of those responsible.

Regional and international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have warned that the attacks threaten efforts toward African unity and risk undermining South Africa’s standing as a key regional advocate for peace, democracy, and inclusive development.

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