Kenya has 𝟏𝟓𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎 Immigrant Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia, MPs Told
The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection has told the National Assembly that Kenya has approximately 200,000 documented migrant workers in Saudi Arabia with at least 151,000 working as domestic workers.
Hon. Florence Bore was speaking Wednesday evening when she appeared before the House during the weekly session on Question Time.
“ Hon. Speaker, Kenya has approximately 200,000 documented migrant workers based in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia with 151,687 among them, engaged in the domestic work section” Hon. Bore noted.
Various lawmakers had raised crucial questions to the Minister regarding the status, conditions, and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Question on the number of documented Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia for the last three years had been sought by Konoin MP, Brighton Yegon.
The lawmaker had further sought information on the workers’ Status of residency, the type of employment they are engaged in and working stations as well as the number of reported cases of deaths, torture and inhuman treatment of Kenyans working in the Gulf States, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the last three (3) years.
The Cabinet Secretary who was appearing for the first time since the House reprimanded her to failing to show up during a previous invitation was forced to apologize to the House before responding to Members’ Questions.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula who was presiding the House told her that Cabinet Secretaries have a duty to prioritize their engagements with the House especially when scheduled to appear during Question Time. He noted that Parliament had in particular agreed with the Cabinet Office not to schedule any Cabinet Meetings on Wednesdays to facilitate the Cabinet Secretaries appearances before either Houses to respond to MPs’ Questions.
According to responses tabled by Hon. Florence Bore, over the last three years, a total of 283 reported deaths have occurred among Kenyan migrant workers in the Gulf States, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. 185 Kenyan migrant workers lost their lives in Saudi Arabia, 45 in the UAE, and 53 in Qatar with causes of death ranging from illness to homicide. She told lawmakers that families of the victims had however been informed of the incidents through proper channels.
Legislators further sought details on the measures the Ministry has put in place to secure the
welfare of Kenyans working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the agreements that the Government has with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the
reported cases of mistreatment.
In response, the Labour CS informed the Members that the Kenyan government, in partnership with Saudi Arabia, has taken vital steps to ensure the welfare of Kenyan migrant workers. She cited the establishment of a Bilateral Labor Agreement in 2017, which is aimed at protecting workers’ terms and conditions and enhancing their overall well-being. She further told the House that a dedicated Labor Attaché office had been set up in Riyadh, alongside offices in Qatar and the UAE, focusing on sourcing job opportunities and addressing workers’ concerns.
The House was further informed that the government is actively implementing a range of measures to safeguard its migrant workers.
“ A National Policy on Labor Migration has been developed, emphasizing safe and productive migration. Additionally, a Labor Migration Management Bill is in the works to hold recruitment agencies accountable. We are also in the process of developing a comprehensive curriculum to prepare migrants with essential skills and knowledge before they embark on their journeys”, Hon. Bore told MPs.
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