316 Kenyan Deaths Recorded in Gulf Countries

Recent data presented by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to the Senate reveals that 316 Kenyans have died while working in Gulf countries over the past 12 years.

This disclosure highlights the significant risks faced by Kenyans seeking employment abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for more than half of these fatalities. According to the statistics, Saudi Arabia reported 166 deaths, followed by Qatar (58), the United Arab Emirates (51), Iraq (25), Bahrain (10), and Kuwait (6). Despite these alarming figures, Saudi Arabia continues to be a popular destination for Kenyan workers with over 80,000 domestic employees recorded there in 2022 alone.

The scale of Kenyan migration to the Gulf region is substantial. Labour Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko previously informed a Parliamentary Committee that over 170,000 Kenyans are employed across various Gulf states. However, Mudavadi's report to the Senate suggests an even higher number, with 416,058 Kenyans working abroad. In response to these tragic incidents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented comprehensive measures to support the families of the deceased and address the challenges faced by Kenyans seeking employment in Gulf nations.

Government agencies work diligently to gather vital information and identify the victims' next of kin. The Ministry's Counseling Department offers psychological support to bereaved families in Kenya, assisting them with the preparation and repatriation of their loved ones' remains. The Ministry collaborates closely with Kenyan embassies in the Gulf region to verify immigration status, obtain necessary repatriation documents, and arrange postmortem reports when required. Mudavadi emphasizes the Ministry's commitment to advocating for justice in cases where the cause of death is under investigation, while also managing expectations regarding financial assistance.

It is important to note that government resources for covering medical bills and repatriation expenses are limited. However, the Ministry endeavours to secure benefits and entitlements owed to the deceased from their employers, in accordance with local laws. These efforts aim to provide some measure of support to grieving families during this difficult time.