Gov't urges Kenyans in Middle East to exercise caution amid US-Iran conflict

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei said the government was closely monitoring the situation through its diplomatic missions.

“We are following with deep concern the evolving situation in the Middle East and are in close communication with our diplomatic Missions," he posted on X. 

"We urge Kenyans in the region to exercise caution. We stand in solidarity with countries calling for de-escalation and a return to UN Charter-based mechanisms for resolving matters in dispute."

The advisory comes as the crisis, involving Israel and Iran, continues to intensify following coordinated military action by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian sites. 

Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes, widening the scope of the confrontation and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The unfolding situation has led several countries across the Middle East to shut down their airspace as a safety measure. 

Among those affected are Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Syria also partially restricted its southern airspace near its border with Israel.

The widespread closures have significantly disrupted global aviation, forcing airlines to either cancel or reroute flights that typically pass through the region, a key corridor linking Europe and Asia.

Locally, Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to Dubai following the UAE airspace closure.

The airline said the move was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, with affected customers set to be contacted directly for assistance.