Tragic Plight of Kenyan Workers in Saudi Arabia: Over 270 Lives Lost

Over 270 Kenyan workers, primarily women, have died in Saudi Arabia over five years, primarily in domestic roles. Despite horrific accounts of abuse, deaths are often ruled as ‘natural causes.’ The investigation reveals complicity at various levels in ignoring the plight of migrant workers. Efforts are being made by Kenyan authorities to enhance worker protections, but challenges remain, particularly in securing agreements with Saudi Arabia for worker welfare.

A recent report by the New York Times reveals that over 270 Kenyan workers, predominantly women, have tragically lost their lives in Saudi Arabia within the past five years while employed in non-hazardous roles. Alongside Kenya, Uganda also reports significant worker fatalities, albeit without official statistics from its government.

Annually, thousands of women from Kenya and Uganda migrate to Saudi Arabia for domestic employment, typically as housekeepers and nannies. However, numerous individuals return with disturbing stories of unpaid wages, abuse, and even death; some return home in coffins. Autopsy findings frequently indicate trauma such as burns and electric shocks, yet Saudi officials categorize these deaths as “natural causes.”

For instance, in 2022, Kenyan housekeeper Eunice Achieng, who reported threats against her life, was found dead in a rooftop water tank, a case labeled a “natural death” by police. Similarly, Ugandan worker Aisha Meeme’s autopsy showed severe bruising and signs of electrocution, yet her death was also ascribed to “natural causes.”

The investigation highlights systemic abuse within the Saudi context, illustrated by the case of Ugandan housekeeper Faridah Nassanga, who faced rape and was subsequently sent back to Uganda upon becoming pregnant. The New York Times uncovered that influential individuals in Kenya, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia are connected to recruitment agencies and tend to overlook the widespread maltreatment of migrant workers.

Notably, members of the Saudi royal family and high-ranking officials are invested in agencies responsible for placing domestic workers. Although some nations have established agreements for the protection of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Uganda have not realized similar arrangements, the report indicates. A representative from Kenya’s presidency asserted that measures are in progress to enhance worker protections and address rogue recruitment firms. Conversely, the Saudi labor ministry reaffirmed its commitment to investigating any claims of worker exploitation thoroughly.

The revelations surrounding the deaths and exploitation of Kenyan and Ugandan workers in Saudi Arabia underscore a dire need for systemic reforms and protective measures for migrant laborers. The complicity of influential figures and the lack of robust government agreements highlight significant issues that must be addressed to safeguard these vulnerable individuals. The assurance of investigations into exploitation by Saudi authorities must translate into tangible protections to prevent further tragedies.

Original Source: newscentral.africa