Kenyans living in South Africa have appealed to the government to facilitate their return home, citing growing insecurity, job losses and fears of being caught up in a fresh wave of anti-immigrant protests targeting foreign nationals.
The Kenyans(at least 50), through the Kenyan Diaspora in South Africa (KEDASA), say many have been left living in fear as hostility towards foreigners continues to grow in parts of the country.
In a memorandum to the Kenyan government, the lobby group said some Kenyans have lost their jobs while others fear for their safety amid reports of intimidation and attacks linked to anti-foreigner campaigns.
The group warned that the number of Kenyans seeking repatriation could increase if the situation worsens.
The appeal comes as South Africa grapples with renewed tensions over immigration, with some groups calling for the removal of undocumented foreigners and accusing migrants of taking up jobs and straining public resources.
According to KEDASA, affected Kenyans feel abandoned and are now looking to Nairobi for urgent intervention before the situation escalates further.
The development has revived memories of previous xenophobic attacks in South Africa that left dozens dead, displaced thousands and triggered diplomatic tensions across the continent.
While South African authorities have repeatedly condemned attacks on foreign nationals and promised action against those inciting violence, anxiety continues to grow among many migrants, including Kenyans living and working in the country.
For some, the dream that took them to South Africa is quickly turning into a nightmare.
Now, dozens are hoping the Kenyan government will step in and help them return home before the situation deteriorates further.