Kenyan Family Appeals for Help as Niece Faces Hardships in Saudi Arabia

The family of Electine Diana Alaka, a young Kenyan woman, is urgently seeking assistance as she finds herself stranded in a Saudi Arabian deportation center grappling with health concerns and bureaucratic obstacles.

Electine, who traveled to Saudi Arabia for work as a domestic helper, initially kept in touch with her family through WhatsApp, sharing both her experiences and the troubling conditions she encountered. However, communication suddenly stopped, raising alarms among her relatives. When they finally regained contact, Electine revealed distressing details about her situation, including exposure to harmful chemical sprays from her employer.

After unsuccessful attempts to seek help from her recruitment agent, she made the difficult decision to flee. Well-intentioned individuals who found her on the streets took Electine into their care, but a series of complications eventually led to her being held in a deportation center. Despite her family providing financial assistance to facilitate her release, they faced setbacks due to lost documentation and unreliable intermediaries complicating the process.

Jennifer Shisia, Electine's aunt, expresses the family's desperation and helplessness, stating, "We had been sending money back to back and talking to the agent who, after a fallout, blocked us. The office wants around KSh 46,000 to help Diana, who is unwell. They said if we do not act fast enough, then they will lock her up for a year. Our hands are tied, her mum is unwell, and we do not have any support."

This incident highlights the broader issues surrounding the welfare of Kenyan workers overseas, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where labour rights and protections are often minimal. While the Kenyan government has made efforts to create job opportunities abroad — including a recent call for 500 caregiving positions with potential benefits such as free meals, accommodation, and medical cover — the frequent reports of abuse and exploitation in these employment settings remain a critical concern.