Shattered Dreams: How Kenyan Workers Face Harsh Realities Abroad

The Kenyan government has intensified its efforts to promote international labour migration as a solution to domestic unemployment and a means to increase remittances.

This initiative has led to the emergence of the Kenyan diaspora as a significant demographic, often referred to as the "forty-fifth tribe" in a nation already known for its diverse ethnic composition. The trend began over two decades ago when Kenyan women started seeking employment opportunities in Gulf countries, primarily as domestic workers. As global labour markets become increasingly interconnected, the movement of workers from areas of high supply to regions of high demand is inevitable. However, this migration trend raises significant concerns that warrant careful consideration.

In recent years, there have been calls for the government to prohibit Kenyan women from seeking domestic work in Gulf countries due to widespread reports of exploitation, abuse, and inhumane working conditions. The case of Diana Chepkemoi, who was rescued from an abusive employer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2022, highlights the dangers faced by these workers. Ironically, on the same day Chepkemoi returned home, another group of Kenyan women departed for the Gulf. The impact of labour migration on family dynamics is profound. For young, single Kenyans, relocation often delays family formation. Married individuals may experience temporary or permanent family separation, leading to strained relationships.

Initially, long-distance couples maintain frequent communication, but over time, contact often becomes less frequent, potentially resulting in emotional disconnection. Financial disagreements can arise when remittances are deemed insufficient or mismanaged. Of particular concern are single mothers who leave their children in the care of relatives while seeking employment abroad. In an era of increasing individualism, few relatives are willing or able to provide comprehensive care for these children. The absence of maternal figures can have severe psychological consequences for children, including feelings of abandonment and neglect.

These experiences may lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and difficulties forming healthy relationships in adulthood. Kenyans in the diaspora maintain that the prevalence of abuse and exploitation experienced by Kenyan workers in Gulf countries demands immediate attention. Despite these risks, many Kenyans continue to pursue overseas opportunities, driven by the promise of improved economic prospects. The effects of labour migration extend beyond individual workers to impact entire families.

Long-distance relationships are often strained by emotional and financial pressures. Both migrant workers and their families left behind may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.