730 Kenyans Deported from Various Countries Since 2022
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that since 2022, approximately 730 Kenyans who had been deported have been readmitted to the country.
The deportation figures provided by Mudavadi show a significant increase over the past three years. In 2022, 186 Kenyans were deported followed by 378 in 2023 and 166 in the first part of 2024. These numbers highlight the need for a robust system to handle the return of deportees. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services plays a crucial role in ensuring that returning Kenyan nationals are properly admitted. Mudavadi emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and welfare of these individuals. Immigration officers at entry and exit points are tasked with verifying the citizenship of deportees before allowing them back into the country.
This process is governed by the Citizenship and Immigration Act which outlines specific criteria for admission, including identity verification, the issuance of necessary travel documents, and confirmation of citizenship rights. The situation in the Gulf States has been particularly concerning for Kenyan citizens with at least 316 Kenyans losing their lives in these countries. Saudi Arabia reports the highest number of deaths at 166, followed by Qatar with 58 and the United Arab Emirates with 51 fatalities. Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait also recorded Kenyan deaths, while Oman and Iran reported no fatalities during this period.
It is worth noting that these figures may not reflect the full extent of the situation as some Kenyans living abroad do not register with their country's missions. Addressing the concerns of Kenyans working in the Diaspora, Mudavadi assures of the government's commitment to protecting their rights and welfare. He outlines measures that have been implemented to streamline and enforce bilateral agreements with foreign nations regarding labour and employment. These efforts aim to ensure fair treatment and adequate support for Kenyan workers abroad.
Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen its approach through increased collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Labour. A sessional paper is set to be presented to Parliament which will allow the legislative arm to contribute to the development of policies, legal frameworks, and institutional structures that support bilateral negotiations. This comprehensive approach is designed to enhance Kenya's competitiveness in the global labour market and better protect its citizens working overseas.