Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and warning that attacks on civilians, infrastructure and sacred sites threaten regional stability.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Friday, the Kenyan government said the attacks were contrary to international humanitarian law and expressed concern over their potential consequences for regional security.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya condemns the escalating missile and drone attacks directed against the infrastructure facilities, civilian and sacred places in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and calls for the immediate cessation of the growing hostilities.”
The statement did not announce any military or security commitment by Kenya. Instead, Nairobi called for restraint, respect for international law and a diplomatic effort to address the wider conflict.
Kenya’s position comes as fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement has intensified. The United Kingdom’s current travel guidance says direct military conflict between the Houthis and the governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia resumed in 2026, with missiles and drones reported against several Saudi cities, airports, military bases and energy infrastructure.
Kenya warns over Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz
Beyond the attacks on Saudi territory, Nairobi highlighted the security of major maritime routes linking the Middle East with global markets.
“We are also deeply concerned by the hostile activities related to safe maritime trade in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz,” the Kenyan government said.
It warned that disruption to freedom of navigation could have consequences for regional and global economic stability as well as energy security.
The statement called for “unimpeded maritime waterways” and an end to attacks against merchant and commercial vessels. Kenya said it would continue working with the international community to safeguard maritime security, protect legitimate trade and promote international peace and stability.
The concern comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below recent averages. Reuters reported on September 18 that only four commodity vessels had transited the strait the previous day, compared with a 10-day average of 16, according to preliminary Kpler data. Reuters also reported reduced traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid continuing regional tensions.
Nairobi invokes UN resolutions on Yemen
Kenya also called for full respect for international law and implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the Houthis.
The government specifically referred to obligations relating to an arms embargo.
At the same time, Nairobi reaffirmed its support for a negotiated settlement to the Yemen conflict rather than presenting the crisis solely as a security issue.
“Kenya calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to de-escalate, and reiterates its support for a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations, as the only durable path to peace.”
Kenya also reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s “unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
The emphasis on a political settlement is consistent with Nairobi’s stated foreign-policy role of supporting regional peace initiatives and international peace, security and stability.
Kenya expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Kenya said it stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia in protecting its population and safeguarding the country’s Islamic holy sites.
“Kenya therefore stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the protection of its people, of the Two Holy Mosques and of the pilgrims who travel there.”
The statement also specifically referenced Kenyan citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, saying Kenya remains concerned about their safety.
The security situation has already generated international concern. Japan, in a September 12 statement, condemned attacks on civilians and civilian facilities and called for safe navigation of vessels and de-escalation.
Kenya’s statement therefore combines condemnation of attacks on Saudi Arabia with calls for restraint, protection of civilians, freedom of navigation and a UN-backed political process for Yemen.
Kenya-Saudi Arabia ties
Nairobi concluded by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening relations with Riyadh.
“The Government of the Republic of Kenya remains committed to the further strengthening of the longstanding relations and bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Kenya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
