Surge in Distress Cases Prompts Kenya to Strengthen Support for Workers in Saudi Arabia

Kenya is expanding its diplomatic services in the Middle East as more citizens working in the region seek help from government offices.

Speaking in the National Assembly on 19 November, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the number of Kenyans in Saudi Arabia has reached about 350,000, driving a sharp rise in requests for assistance. He reported that officials have handled 3,452 distress cases since 2023, including employment disputes and urgent protection needs. 

In response, the ministry has increased staffing, strengthened emergency support systems and opened new offices to improve response times. Lawmakers questioned the government about reports of arrests involving individuals who raised concerns over the treatment of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. 

Mudavadi said the ministry is using diplomatic channels to protect citizens and has already opened a consulate in Jeddah to complement the Riyadh embassy. He added that funding plans are underway for a safe house to support vulnerable workers.

The Cabinet Secretary also addressed concerns about recruitment agencies, which have long faced criticism over opaque operations and exploitative contracts. He rejected claims that senior officials or their relatives own shares in the firms and said the sector’s regulation remains a priority. 

All Kenyans travelling for work must have insurance cover, he noted, with no single provider holding exclusive rights. Mudavadi confirmed that discussions with Saudi authorities are ongoing to establish a more comprehensive labour framework for skilled and semi-skilled workers. 

He said Kenya has received official communication on improved wage terms, building on the KSh29,300 minimum pay for domestic workers agreed in 2019. He pointed to recent Saudi reforms, including Phase Three of the Wage Protection System, introduced on 1 October 2025. 

The system requires employers with two or more domestic workers to pay salaries through the MUSANED digital platform, with full coverage expected by January 2026.