Kisumu: The government of Kenya is taking steps to revise its labour agreement with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to ensure a safer and more favorable working environment for Kenyan citizens employed in the Middle East. Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime confirmed the government’s commitment to securing conducive working conditions for all its citizens working abroad.
According to Kenya News Agency, the demand for Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia led to the signing of a bilateral labour agreement in 2017. This agreement is currently under review to improve the working conditions for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. Mwadime made these remarks during the African Regional Labour Administration (ARLAC) centre meeting in Kisumu County, which brought together senior officials from eight member states to review and streamline labour policies.
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region host nearly four million migrant domestic workers, including about 150,000 Kenyans. A report from the Labour and Social Welfare Committee highlights that 80,000 Kenyans live and work in Saudi Arabia, primarily in domestic roles. Concerns over worker safety have prompted calls for a ban on recruiting and exporting domestic workers to Saudi Arabia until adequate protection measures are established. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported 90 Kenyan deaths in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2021, alongside 1,908 distress calls, underscoring the need for improved conditions.
Kenya has also established Bilateral Labour Agreements with six other countries, including the UK, Poland, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, and Australia, aiming to finalize similar agreements with all labour destination countries. The agreement with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE includes a Joint Technical Committee to oversee the Bilateral Labour Agreement (BLA) implementation.
PS Mwadime emphasized the need to engage the country’s young workforce, with over 18 million eligible for employment, by stimulating the informal sector and providing overseas opportunities for highly qualified professionals. Remittances from Kenyans abroad rose by 5.8 percent to $2.519 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a significant financial contribution to the country’s economy.
ARLAC, established in 1974 by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), became an autonomous inter-governmental institution in 1981. It comprises eight member countries: Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, and South Sudan. The current meeting aims to develop and finalize policies crucial for modernizing labour administration in Africa, covering areas such as performance management, risk management, corruption response, internships, and policies addressing violence and harassment.
Mwadime outlined the critical nature of these policies as foundational blueprints for equitable, productive, and safe work environments. He stressed the importance of well-structured internship programs and the creation of workplaces free from violence and harassment. He expressed optimism that the meeting’s outcomes would inform further discussions by the Committee of Senior Officials in October, ultimately shaping the future of labour administration.
ILO Deputy Director Benson Litparmorijo added that the new labour policy under review would ensure fairness, equity, and conducive working conditions for workers from member states.
