- Lebanon, once a peaceful haven for Kenyan students, has become a no-go zone
- Mary Wanjiku, one of the Kenyan students in Beirut, revealed that they hear explosions and gunshots every day.
- He expressed concern that he lacks food and essential supplies, but there are no signs of evacuation
Beirut – As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, hundreds of students of Kenya in Lebanon they are asking to be transferred.
The students, who are enrolled in various universities across Beirut, have expressed their fear for their safety due to the increasing violence.
Educational institutions are closed in Beirut
BBC News Africa reports that educational institutions have been closed as they are being used to accommodate people who have fled their homes.
With campuses shutting down, several classes have been moved online, but that hasn't stopped them from living in constant fear.
According to Farai Makamba, a 27-year-old student, everyone is worried, and the war has changed their communication.
“When we finish class, our professor now says: 'Have a nice day and stay safe.' We say the same because we know what is happening in the country,” he said.
A Kenyan student expresses fear of living in Lebanon
Many students report being confined to their dormitories and bedrooms, unable to venture outside for necessities.
Mary Wanjiku, a Kenyan medical student at the University of United States of Beirut revealed that they hear explosions and gunshots every day.
“We live in constant fear. No one is safe here,” he complained.
Wanjiku added that his biggest concern is that he lacks food and essential equipment.
What is the Kenyan embassy doing to help citizens stuck in Lebanon?
The Kenyan embassy in Lebanon has been flooded with calls and messages from distraught students and their families.
The spokesperson acknowledged the plight of the students and assured them that there are plans to ensure their safety.
However, logistical challenges and the fragile security situation continue to hamper efforts to relocate them.
Meanwhile, all Kenyans in Lebanon have been urged to stay at home and follow safety protocols while the government works on plans to evacuate them.
The international community calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon
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 aid for those caught in the fighting.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
