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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, those registered are professionals, businessmen and teachers in the international school. During the time of the attempted coup, many Kenyans had already left Burundi since the international school had closed for the holidays. Mr. Speaker, Sir, regarding (b) on decisive measures that have been put in place, including standby capacity in the neighbouring countries of Rwanda and Tanzania to mount evacuation of Kenyans if the need arises following the attempted coup, the Ministry maintained constant and sustained engagement with our embassies in the region advising them to be on the vigil, monitor the situation closely and keep the Ministry constantly and fully updated, including on any need to intervene. Mr. Speaker, Sir, so far, no report of a need or distress has been reported to the Ministry. Mr. Speaker, Sir, part (c) was about the exact decisive measures that have been put in place to evacuate Kenyans not necessarily limited to the Embassy staff. Kenyans were advised to remain indoors until the situation gets clearer. Our Ambassador, who was out of the country, has since reported back on Saturday 16th May, 2015, and has been in contact with Kenyans. The report I have is that Kenyans are safe. Furthermore, he has, this morning, confirmed that the situation in Bujumbura and at the countryside is calm. Shops and schools are open and children are going to school. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in this report, there are no specific measures to evacuate Kenyans from Burundi. However, as has been the case before, should the situation so demand – indeed, our desire is to see the full restoration of tranquility in Burundi – the Government will act in line with the laid down procedure as has been the case in other situations. Mr. Speaker, Sir, allow me to state that when dealing with such weighty issues, there is need to exercise great caution and diligence. Any late initiatives may not be in the best interest to Kenya. The second question was about the implication of the relationship between the soldiers of Kenya in Somalia and those of Burundi should Kenya take any side in the conflict in Burundi. Kenya has not taken sides at all. Her action and response is guided by the collective position taken by the East African Community (EAC) Summit. Furthermore, Kenyan and Burundi forces serving in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) command as mandated by the African Union (AU) in line with the peace keeping initiatives. Kenya is confident that officers will continue to exercise the highest degree of professionalism in discharge of their noble duty. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the third was about arrangements that have been put in place to vet, receive and decide what to do in the event the refugees come to Kenya. The vetting and receiving of refugees is a collaborative exercise championed by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The procedures are well established under the Convention. It is, however, our hope that this will not happen in view of the progressive unfolding situation there. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the fourth issue was about what will happen to the assets of Kenyans who have invested in Burundi. It is difficult to speculate at this stage. We can The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}