Kenya Condemns Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Calls for End to Hostilities

Kenya has condemned escalating missile and drone attacks targeting infrastructure, civilian areas and sacred sites in Saudi Arabia, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and renewed efforts to de-escalate tensions.

In a statement issued on Friday, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said attacks directed at civilians, civilian infrastructure and places of worship violate international humanitarian law and pose risks to the stability and security of Saudi Arabia.

The ministry said Kenya was particularly concerned about the impact of the wider conflict on regional security and civilian populations.

Kenya raises concern over Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz

Kenya also expressed concern over hostile activities affecting maritime trade in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

The government warned that threats to freedom of navigation could have wider consequences for international trade, regional and global economic stability and energy security.

Kenya called for full respect for international law and implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Yemen and the Houthi movement, including obligations related to the arms embargo.

The ministry also called for an end to attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, saying Kenya would continue working with the international community to support maritime security and protect legitimate trade.

Nairobi calls for de-escalation

Kenya urged all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and work towards reducing tensions.

“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,” the ministry said.

The position reflects Kenya’s broader foreign-policy emphasis on international peace, security and respect for national sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is mandated to coordinate Kenya’s international relations and promote regional and international peace and security.

Kenya expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The ministry reiterated Kenya’s position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be respected under the United Nations Charter.

It said Kenya stands with Saudi Arabia in protecting its population, the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom.

The statement also highlighted the presence of Kenyan citizens in Saudi Arabia, including thousands of Kenyans working in domestic and service-related occupations.

The government said the safety and welfare of Kenyan nationals living and working in the Kingdom remain a priority amid the regional security situation.

Kenya maintains an embassy in Riyadh and a Consulate General in Jeddah, providing diplomatic and consular services to Kenyan citizens in Saudi Arabia.

Kenya-Saudi relations

The statement comes as Kenya and Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

In July 2026, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said officials from the two countries had held consultations focused on advancing the Kenya-Saudi strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation on shared regional and global priorities.

The discussions covered development, peace and security, as well as coordination in multilateral forums.

The latest statement from Nairobi reinforces the government's stated commitment to maintaining and further strengthening relations with Riyadh.

As tensions continue to affect parts of the region, Kenya said it would work with international partners on efforts to safeguard maritime security, protect civilians and maintain the flow of legitimate international trade.