The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs recently provided an update on the ongoing repatriation efforts for Kenyans stranded in Myanmar.
According to the Ministry, 64 Kenyan nationals are currently awaiting repatriation at the Thai-Myanmar border following their rescue from scam compounds in Myanmar.
In an official statement dated 2nd march, the Ministry confirmed that the rescued Kenyans are among more than 7,000 foreign nationals from over 30 countries who were freed by two armed groups the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF).
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs confirms that 64 Kenyans are currently waiting at the Thai-Myanmar border, ready to cross into Thailand after being rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar,” the statement read.
The repatriation efforts have faced delays due to the closure of the border crossing since February 12, 2025.
At the same time, the Ministry noted that despite the first group of 260 foreigners among them 23 Kenyans being were handed over to the Royal Thai Army earlier this year, the remaining rescued nationals have been unable to proceed due to the ongoing border closure.
Additionally, the Kenyan government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is leading a multi-agency team working in collaboration with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok to expedite the return of the stranded nationals.
The Ministry confirmed arrangements have been finalized to facilitate the repatriation process as soon as possible.
“The government is leading a multi-agency team and working in conjunction with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok have finalized the arrangements to facilitate their return so they can be reunited with their families,” the statement added.
The Kenyan Ambassador to Thailand has been in daily communication with the stranded citizens, offering updates on the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure their safe return.
As part of its statement, the Ministry urged Kenyans to exercise caution when seeking employment opportunities online.
Additionally, the government reiterated the importance of only using private recruitment agencies that are registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
Ministry of labour and social protection,Principal secretary Joseph Motari had also told a parliamentary committee that Kenyans were still stranded due to budget strains.
Appearing before the social protection committee on the 2025 budget policy statement (BPS), The PS told lawmakers that part of the stranded Kenyans had reported to Kenyan Embassy in Thailand ready to be repatriated.
” there still Kenyans in Myanmar still languishing there without jobs. We are working closely with the Ministry of Foreign affairs and Diaspora to bring them home,” he added.
