Ethiopian nationals top the list of 953 illegal and undocumented immigrants who were arrested in Kenya in the year to August 2025, accounting for 70.3 percent of all aliens, a new report has revealed.
The Ethiopians are followed by Somalis, Burundians and Eritreans who were arrested between September 2024 and August 2025.
The Annual Report on the State of National Security covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 2025 indicates that a total of 953 illegal aliens were arrested, with Ethiopians accounting for 670 or 70.3 percent of illegal aliens and undocumented immigrants who entered Kenya.
“This was followed by Somalis, Burundians and Eritreans each recording 90, 69 and 74 arrests respectively,” the report, tabled in Parliament by President William Ruto, states.
The number of Egyptians who were arrested dropped from 12 in the previous period to 11 while Rwandese and Sundanese had no arrests compared to three and 23 who were nabbed in the similar period in 2024.
The number of Congolese who were arrested dropped from 20 to seven while those of Nigerians increased from two to three. Those classified as “Others” dropped from seven to two.
“During the period under review, a total of 953 illegal aliens were arrested, representing a 36.4 percent decrease compared to a similar period in 2023/24 which recorded 1,498 arrests.”
Dr Ruto said many of the aliens, fleeing conflict, violence, and persecution enter the country without proper documentation, creating significant security challenges.
He said the presence of illegal aliens and undocumented immigrants in Kenya is primarily driven by the country’s relatively advanced socio-economic conditions in the region, making it attractive for illegal aliens seeking economic, educational and social opportunities.
Dr Ruto said Kenya serves both as a destination and a transit hub for both regular and illegal immigrants from East and Central Africa, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa regions.
The report attributes the steep influx of illegal aliens from Ethiopia to the prolonged localised conflicts in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia Regions which continue to destabilise the country, thereby affecting Kenya’s security as well.
“Additionally, the rising political tensions in Tigray and the slow implementation of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement increased the chances of renewed hostilities,” the report notes
“The prevailing situation poses cross-border risks such as arms and drug trafficking, illegal immigration and infiltration by militant groups, notably the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).”
The State House report also cites cross-border conflicts over natural resources, banditry, illegal mining and cattle rustling as part of the reasons contributing to influx of aliens from Ethiopia and neighbouring countries.
The report also attributes the rising entry of illegal and undocumented immigrants to Kenya’s porous borders.
“Kenya relies on Special Status Agreement with Ethiopia to address common security challenges, including launching joint operations along the border targeting OLA, which has been successful in curbing the insurgent activities,” Dr Ruto said.
“Cognizant of the dangers which can be borne by illegal aliens and undocumented immigrants, the Government undertook enforced laws governing immigration, particularly the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and various international agreements.”
The report indicates that Kenya enhanced its border security and control to prevent illegal entry, prosecuted, repatriated and deported illegal immigrants.
The country also enhanced collaborations with diplomatic missions, conducted joint operations with agencies drawn from neighbouring countries, and international organisations.
“Despite active enforcement measures, several challenges continue to hinder effective control and management of illegal immigration, which includes porous borders and limited surveillance coverage, particularly in remote and informal crossing points, which facilitate unauthorised entry,” the report notes.
“Insufficient technological capacity and outdated infrastructure for real-time monitoring, biometric verification and document authentication at some border points, increased sophistication in human trafficking and document fraud.”
The report indicates that Kenya continues to be exploited as a source, transit and destination for trafficked and smuggled persons.
It notes that during the period under review, the country witnessed persistent activities of transnational human trafficking and smuggling syndicates that posed a threat to national security.
The report states that smuggled persons during the period under review included Kenyans, Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Burundians, Rwandese, Congolese, Nigerians, Tanzanians and Ugandans.
emutai@ke.nationmedia.com
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