The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Hon. Florence Bore apologized to the National Assembly for failing to appear before it to answer Questions. CS Bore was appearing for the first time since the House reprimanded her for failing to show up during a previous invitation.

While explaining herself, Hon. Bore informed the House that in future she would render her apologies in good time whenever she is not able to honour an invitation. 

The Speaker of the National Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, however, told the CS that Cabinet Secretaries have a duty to prioritize their engagements with the House especially when scheduled to appear during Question Time. He noted that Parliament had in particular agreed with the Cabinet Office not to schedule any Cabinet Meetings on Wednesdays to facilitate the Cabinet Secretaries appearances before both Houses to respond to MPs’ Questions.

During her response to Members’ Questions, the CS told the House that Kenya has approximately 200,000 documented migrant workers in Saudi Arabia with at least 151,000 working as domestic workers. 

“ Hon. Speaker, Kenya has approximately 200,000 documented migrant workers based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 151,687 among them, engaged in the domestic work section" Hon. Bore said.

Several lawmakers raised questions to the Cabinet Secrtary regarding the status, conditions, and welfare of Kenyan migrant workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The Question on the number of documented Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia for the last three years had been sought by Hon. Brighton Yegon (Konoin).

Members further sought information on the workers’ status of residency, the type of employment they are engaged in and working stations as well as the number of reported cases of deaths, torture and inhuman treatment of Kenyans working in the Gulf States, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the last three years.

According to written responses tabled by Hon. Bore, over the last three years, a total of 283 deaths have been reported among Kenyan migrant workers in the Gulf States, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 185 Kenyan migrant workers lost their lives in Saudi Arabia, 45 in the UAE, and 53 in Qatar. The causes of death range from illness to homicide.

Members further sought details on the measures the Ministry has put in place to secure the welfare of Kenyans working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the agreements that the Government has with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the reported cases of mistreatment.

In her response, the Labour CS informed the House that the Kenyan Government, in partnership with Saudi Arabia, has taken vital steps to ensure the welfare of Kenyan migrant workers. She cited the establishment of a Bilateral Labor Agreement in 2017, which is aimed at protecting workers' terms and conditions and enhancing their overall well-being. She further told the House that a dedicated Labour Attaché office had been set up in Riyadh, alongside offices in Qatar and the UAE, focusing on sourcing job opportunities and addressing workers' concerns.

The House was further informed that the government is actively implementing a range of measures to safeguard its migrant workers.

“ A National Policy on Labour Migration has been developed, emphasizing safe and productive migration. Additionally, a Labour Migration Management Bill is in the works to hold recruitment agencies accountable. We are also in the process of developing a comprehensive curriculum to prepare migrants with essential skills and knowledge before they embark on their journeys", Hon. Bore said.