How Kenya can safeguard its Gulf States employees

In today’s interconnected world, technology has erased borders for job seekers, allowing Kenyans to venture far beyond their homeland in search of better prospects.

While some are fortunate enough to be transferred abroad by their employers, most chart their own course, drawn by the promise of opportunity in North America, Europe, and especially the oil-rich Gulf nations.

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait - have become magnets for Kenyan workers.

Their oil-fueled economic miracles created insatiable demand for foreign labour, with expatriates now constituting over 90 percent of the workforce in some sectors. Official figures reveal more than 416,000 Kenyans toil in these nations, the majority (over 310,000) in Saudi Arabia alone.

Most find work as domestic helpers, construction labourers, or in service industries. A lucky few secure positions in healthcare, education or finance. Their remittances pump vital funds into Kenya’s economy, but this comes at huge personal cost.

Stories abound of exploitation, abuse, and limited labour protections. The cultural isolation weighs heavily too, with many struggling to adapt to conservative Islamic societies vastly different from home.

Kenya’s government has made attempts to protect its citizens abroad, signing agreements like the 2022 labour pact with Saudi Arabia meant to safeguard domestic workers. Yet enforcement remains spotty at best.

Rogue recruitment agencies continue to operate with impunity, with reports indicating 60 percent lack proper accreditation. These middlemen often deceive job seekers about working conditions and salaries, trapping them in nightmare scenarios.

What’s needed is a comprehensive support system starting before departure. Prospective migrants require honest briefings about life abroad and their legal rights.

Once overseas, our embassies must become true sanctuaries - organising community events where homesick workers can share a taste of Kenya and find solidarity. Mental health services are crucial too, as the strain of separation from family can be crushing.

Back home, public awareness campaigns should temper the Gulf dream with reality checks about the challenges awaiting. Families also need guidance on supporting loved ones abroad, understanding both the financial benefits and emotional toll of migration.

As Kenya’s diaspora grows, so must our commitment to their welfare. These modern-day economic warriors deserve more than just being statistics in remittance reports.

With proper safeguards and support, working abroad can fulfill its promise as a pathway to prosperity rather than a gamble with one’s dignity. The government, private sector and society must unite to ensure our citizens chasing opportunity overseas don’t pay for it with their wellbeing.

Technological advancement has enabled people to seek employment outside their home countries. That is the reason it is increasingly becoming easier for businesses and people to extend their spheres of experience and exposure beyond their home boundaries.

There are two main pathways to expatriating for work abroad. The first is where individuals are sent abroad by organisations that they work for. The second way is where individuals relocate to other countries on their own volition to seek employment-this is the pathway used by most Kenyans.

Their main destination for employment abroad is North America, Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC). Countries in the GCC-Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait have witnessed huge economic growth since the discovery of crude oil deposits.

Due to this rapid economic growth, these countries have largely been dependent on expatriate workers because of shortage of adequately qualified indigenous workers. Indeed, more than 90 percent of the workforce in some Gulf countries, for example UAE, are expatriates, who work in areas like medicine, education, and finance. Besides these professionals millions of expatriates work as labourers and house-helps.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary, in a July 10, 2024 article, said there were over 416,000 Kenyans working in the GCC countries. Saudi Arabia is hosting most Kenyans with approximately 310,266. Qatar is home to about 66,025, the UAE about 23,000, Bahrain has 8,000, and smaller numbers in Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq.

Kenyans work in various economic sectors of these countries. The largest proportion works in low-skilled roles, especially in domestic service. For example, in Saudi Arabia alone, around 70 percent of Kenyan workers are in domestic work, with others employed in education, construction, hospitality, and transportation.

These Kenyan expatriates are drawn to these countries in the hope they can secure stable employment and improve their lives . Consequently, they send money to their loves one back home in Kenya. While their remittances contribute significantly to Kenya's economy, they face myriad of challenges in the host countries.

Some of the difficulties they encounter include, unsafe working conditions, exploitation, limited labour protections, and cultural adjustment difficulties. Inevitably, these problems impact their well-being and mental health.

Although the Kenyan government has been trying to alleviate these problems by creating bilateral agreements to enhance worker protections, Kenyans working abroad still face many challenges.

The Kenyan government, in partnership with Gulf states, must prioritise the welfare of expatriates. Strengthened labour agreements, regular monitoring of working conditions, and accessible support services for Kenyans abroad are vital.

For instance, a 2022 bilateral labour agreement between Kenya and Saudi Arabia aimed to improve conditions for domestic workers, but implementation remains inconsistent.

Agencies facilitating employment in the Gulf must also be held accountable to ensure ethical practices. A 2020 report revealed that 60 percent of recruitment agencies lacked proper accreditation, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. Regulation and monitoring of these agencies are critical to preventing abuse.

The Kenyan government must also embark on a programme to train expatriates before mobilisation to host countries. It is particularly imperative that the trainings are done in a one-stop setting where those expatriating are sensitised and given hands-on experience of what they could face.

Furthermore, in co-ordination with its embassies, there should be regular events where Kenyans can meet, socialise and reminisce about home. At these events, the government should encourage entrepreneurial Kenyans to sell foods from back home, so the expatriates get a taste of back home.

Kenya’s department of Diaspora Affairs should also priorities the health and wellbeing of Kenyans working abroad, “The goose that lays the golden eggs” should be looked after. Being away from home in a faraway foreign land significancy contributes to mental issues. It is therefore important that this taken seriously and addressed.

On the domestic front, public awareness campaigns are needed to inform aspiring expatriates of their rights and the realities of working abroad. Families must also recognize the emotional toll of separation and support their loved ones with empathy and understanding.

The writer is a lecturer and consultant at OXUS, Kenya