Government Rejects Claims of DNA Delays Blocking Kenyan Mothers from Returning from Saudi Arabia

The Kenyan government has denied allegations that DNA test delays are preventing mothers and their children from returning home from Saudi Arabia.

Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs responded to claims by Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who said DNA results collected nearly three years ago have not been delivered, leaving families stranded. Senator Thang’wa cited the case of a woman from Vihiga County and her eight-year-old daughter, who he said remain in Riyadh because embassy officials collected DNA samples but never provided the results. 

He said many Kenyan families face similar difficulties, unable to secure clearance to return home. “Every Kenyan woman who gives birth out of wedlock here must undergo a DNA test before being cleared to return home with her child,” the senator said, accusing authorities of inaction and warning that children risk growing up stateless while their mothers remain abroad.

PS Njogu, however, clarified that DNA testing is not required for issuing birth certificates to children born to Kenyan mothers overseas. She said DNA evidence is only used when other documentation is unavailable. Njogu confirmed that all applications submitted under the 2023 DNA initiative have been processed, with 73 children and 50 mothers successfully repatriated.

“This is inaccurate. DNA samples are not required for birth certificates to be issued – but they can be relied on when parents cannot produce birth certificates,” Njogu said. 

She added that the ministry is ready to assist any remaining cases and asked Senator Thang’wa to provide details of the specific application he referenced.

The dispute highlights ongoing challenges for migrant workers and their families in the Gulf, where bureaucratic and legal requirements can complicate repatriation. 

While the government points to progress in clearing backlogs and facilitating returns, Senator Thang’wa has called for stronger oversight of the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh.

“How many more mothers must wait? How many children must grow up stateless, homeless, and forgotten while offices trade silence and bureaucracy?” he asked, pledging to escalate the matter in the Senate.