Mudavadi Pledges Better Safeguards for Kenyans Working in Saudi Arabia

Kenya has pledged to strengthen protections for its citizens working in Saudi Arabia while encouraging the diaspora to invest in key sectors of the country's economy.

The commitment was announced during political consultations in Riyadh led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Speaking during the inaugural Kenya–Saudi Arabia Political Consultations, Mudavadi said the government would continue to improve labour migration through safe and regulated systems. 

He said the aim is to ensure Kenyans can access employment opportunities abroad while receiving protection and support when problems arise.

"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.

The Kenyan delegation said protecting migrant workers requires more than regulating recruitment. Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu said the State Department has expanded its support services, including a 24-hour emergency response centre that provides assistance to Kenyans facing difficulties abroad.

Njogu also urged job seekers to use government-approved recruitment agencies instead of unlicensed brokers. She warned that informal agents often expose workers to fraud and exploitation.

Alongside worker welfare, the government is seeking to increase diaspora investment in Kenya. Mudavadi said the administration wants to encourage Kenyans living abroad to invest in national development rather than limiting their contribution to remittances.

He identified affordable housing, healthcare, education, renewable energy, technology and the digital economy as priority sectors where diaspora investment could support economic growth. The consultations also included a meeting with members of the Kenyan community in Saudi Arabia, who raised concerns about access to government services, worker protection and opportunities to invest in Kenya. 

The discussions provided officials with direct feedback from citizens living abroad.

The talks form part of Kenya's efforts to strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia on labour mobility while expanding the role of the diaspora in national development. The government says the approach aims to improve protections for Kenyan workers abroad and encourage greater investment in the country's economy.