Lebanon-based Kenyan students living in fear as war intensifies: “No one is safe”

Beirut – As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, hundreds of Kenyan students in Lebanon are pleading for evacuation.

The students, who are enrolled in various universities across Beirut, have expressed growing fears for their safety amid the intensifying violence.

Learning institutions closed in Beirut

Ekwutosblog reports that learning institutions have closed as they are being used to accommodate people who have fled their homes.

With campuses ceasing operations, several classes have been moved online, but that hasn’t exempted them from living in constant fear.

According to Farai Makamba, a 27-year-old student, everyone is nervous, and the war has changed their communication.

“When we finish class, our professor now says: ‘Have a good day and stay safe.’ We say the same thing because we know what is happening in the country,” he narrated.

Kenyan student shares fear of living in Lebanon

Many students report being confined to their dormitories and apartments, unable to venture outside for necessities.

Mary Wanjiku, a Kenyan medical student at the American University of Beirut disclosed that they hear explosions and gunfire daily.

“We are living in constant fear. No one is safe here,” she lamented.

Wanjiku added that her biggest worry is that she is running out of food and essential supplies.

Other African students affected

Apart from Kenyans, students from other nationalities have also been affected by the unrest.

One of them is Farai Makamba, a 27-year-old Zimbabwe student based in Beirut.

He noted that he is always ready with his passport, travel documents and cash if he needs to flee.

“I have a plan for myself in case I need to leave urgently,” said the student, who has been pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

International community calls for ceasefire in Lebanon

Kenyans in Lebanon have been urged to remain indoors and follow safety protocols as the government works on evacuation plans.

Logistical challenges and the volatile security situation continue to complicate evacuation efforts.

The escalating conflict has not only disrupted the lives of Kenyan students but also affected thousands of other foreign nationals in Lebanon.

International organizations have called for a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian assistance to those caught in the crossfire.

Government urges Kenyans in Lebanon to register for evacuation

Meanwhile, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs reported that most Kenyans had not registered for evacuation despite several calls.

Since the war began, the government has successfully evacuated two groups and is committed to continuing with the efforts.

Kenyans who wish to be evacuated were advised to apply through a shared link and contact the government via the shared contacts before October 12.

Israel’s historic day in Gaza war

On Monday, September 23, Israel made a historic attack since the Gaza war began after killing 274 people and injuring 727 in a single day.

Israel promised to expand operations in the areas to include Beeka Valley to return the northern Israel residents safely to their homes.

The displaced individuals in Tyre expressed fear after the airstrikes struck closer to the displacement centres.

What you need to know about the war in Lebanon

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to cross-border fire between Israel and Hamas’s ally Hezbollah.

Since the war began, September 2024 experienced the deadliest days of conflict Lebanon has witnessed in almost 20 years.

Statistics indicate that over 1 million people have fled their homes across the besieged country.

According to Israel’s military, the wave of strikes in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa area are meant to destroy the Hezbollah infrastructure.

Most of Hezbollah’s front-row men have been eliminated, including group leader Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an airstrike on September 28.