Editor's Review

CS Mutua said that Government would be issuing new procedures before any Kenyan gets clearance to travel as a domestic worker outside the country. 

Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Alfred Mutua has given an update following his visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at tackling the plight of Kenya workers in Saudi Arabia. 

In the statement shared via Facebook on Thursday, November 3, Mutua noted that he had listened to Kenyan workers in Saudi and said that some of their problems started here in Kenya due to corrupt agencies. 

The Foreign Affairs CS pointed out that the recruitment system is flawed and corrupt and unless it’s fixed, nothing would change. 

"Listening to the victims, agents, Kenya Government officials and Saudi Government officials, it is clear that the problems facing some our people start back home in Kenya. The system is flawed and corrupt and unless it’s fixed, nothing will change. There is massive corruption in the way Kenyans are prepared before they leave to be domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and follow up of Kenyans when they arrive.

"This is a major concern to all of us, including the Government of Saudi Arabia. We have to break the cartels and streamline the agencies, some of which are owned by prominent Kenyans. We have agreed to work on a modality to get Kenyan Labour agencies to have offices in Saudi Arabia to deal with issues concerning their clients," part of the statement read. 

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Mutua said that they would work out with Saudi Arabia government and flush out illegal agencies and black list some of them that don't work within the law. 

"We will, in collaboration with the Saudi Government, flush out illegal agencies and also black list agencies that do not perform as per the law. The rights of all workers, as enshrined in the laws of Saudi Arabia and Kenya will be enforced. We have also agreed to ensure compliance by agents and others when it comes to provision of healthcare to Kenyans, including those who are in the country illegally.

"To this end, as an immediate short term venture, we’ll be issuing new procedures which will have to be followed before we grant clearance for any Kenyan to travel as a domestic worker to any country. Kenyan immigration officers will also not allow Kenyans to travel out of the country as domestic workers without fulfilling the set requirements starting on Monday, 7th November 2022," he said.