Kenyans in Egypt Face Discrimination and Exploitation Risks, Report Says

Kenyan citizens in Egypt face discrimination, limited access to formal employment and increased risks of exploitation and sexual and gender-based violence, according to a report tabled before Kenya’s National Assembly.

The report by the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations says Kenyan workers in Egypt face persistent barriers in the labour market and inadequate institutional protection. It calls for stronger bilateral frameworks and better enforcement of labour agreements between Kenya and Egypt.

The committee also found that Kenya’s mission in Cairo is overstretched and underfunded. Limited resources have made it difficult for the embassy to provide adequate legal and welfare support to Kenyans dealing with exploitation and other challenges.

Consular staff are facing increasing demands as more Kenyans travel abroad in search of employment. The committee said many encounter barriers in foreign labour markets that leave them vulnerable to exploitation and intimidation.

Similar concerns have been reported in other countries. In South Africa, some Kenyans have reported door-to-door harassment amid rising xenophobic tensions. In Russia, Kenyan nationals have been misled into precarious work through false recruitment promises.

In Cape Town, riders such as Obure have had their livelihoods disrupted by government directives affecting foreign traders. Kenyan evacuees from volatile environments have also described experiences that illustrate the risks faced by citizens living and working abroad.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission has called for compensation for victims of abuse and urged the government to take a more active role in protecting Kenyans overseas. The organisation has also raised concerns about the slow pace of reforms relating to migrant welfare.

The parliamentary report calls for stronger protection of Kenyan citizens abroad, including greater diplomatic support and improved implementation of labour agreements.