KENYA HIGH COMMISSION ISSUES ADVISORY TO NATIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICA AMID PROTESTS

The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria has issued an official advisory urging Kenyan nationals living in South Africa to remain vigilant and exercise caution following recent demonstrations and isolated incidents targeting foreign nationals in several parts of the country.

In a notice dated 4th May 2026, the High Commission confirmed reports of unrest affecting foreign communities and advised Kenyans to avoid areas where protests or demonstrations may be taking place. Kenyans are further encouraged to stay attentive to guidance issued by local South African authorities and to carry valid identification and relevant documentation at all times.

“Kenyan nationals are urged to avoid, as far as possible, areas where protests or demonstrations may be taking place, and to remain attentive to guidance issued by local authorities,” the advisory states. The High Commission also reminded Kenyans to report any incidents or emergencies to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and to immediately inform the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria for appropriate assistance.

The advisory comes after growing anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, where some citizens have expressed belief that foreigners are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services. This sentiment has gained political currency in recent years, often boiling over into tensions and sporadic violence targeting African migrants.

However, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly pushed back against such hostility. Condemning recent attacks on foreigners, President Ramaphosa used his Freedom Day address on Monday marking the country’s first democratic elections in 1994 to remind citizens not to allow their concerns to “breed prejudices and hatred towards our fellow Africans.”

He further reminded South Africans of their continent’s solidarity during the struggle against apartheid, highlighting the debt of gratitude owed to other African nations who supported the anti-apartheid movement.