The government has pledged stronger protection for Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia while encouraging them to invest back home as part of efforts to deepen the diaspora's contribution to the country's economy.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya is working with the Kingdom to strengthen cooperation on labour mobility and improve protections for Kenyans seeking employment there.
Mudavadi was speaking in Riyadh on Sunday after co-chairing the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia Political Consultations with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
“The government is determined to address labour mobility issues and to protect the rights and dignity of Kenyans working overseas through regular and safe labour mobility pathways,” Mudavadi said.
He said protecting workers goes beyond helping them secure jobs abroad and includes ensuring they have access to assistance when they face challenges while living and working overseas.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the government has expanded services to better support Kenyans living outside the country.
“Our mandate is rooted in inclusivity,” she said.
Njogu said the State Department has strengthened consular services and introduced a 24-hour emergency response centre to provide quicker assistance to Kenyans facing distress abroad.
She also urged Kenyans seeking jobs in Saudi Arabia and other countries to use government-approved recruitment channels instead of unlicensed agents to reduce the risk of fraud, exploitation and abuse.
Mudavadi said the government also wants Kenyans living abroad to play a greater role in the country’s economic development by investing in businesses and projects that create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
“The Government has laid the groundwork for Kenyans abroad to scale up their economic contribution and transition from ‘senders of aid’ into active, high-value investors in Kenya’s strategic investment vehicles,” he said.
He highlighted investment opportunities in affordable housing, healthcare, education, technology, renewable energy and the digital economy.
The engagement included an open forum where members of the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia shared their experiences, concerns and recommendations with government officials. Discussions focused on workers' welfare, access to government services and opportunities to invest back home.
The commitments underscore Kenya's broader efforts to create safer employment opportunities abroad while encouraging the diaspora to become a stronger driver of investment and economic growth back home.
