This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has urged the government to take immediate action to protect Kenyans working in foreign lands, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
According to Atwoli, many Kenyans have been tortured to death or subjected to slave-like conditions while working in Saudi Arabia, and the government must crack down on employment agencies that facilitate this exploitation.
Atwoli specifically called on the Ministries of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke the licenses of employment agencies that do not meet the minimum qualification standards.
He also suggested that the government establish bilateral engagements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sign agreements protecting the rights of Kenyans working in the country, post more Labour attachés to countries in the Middle East, and create policies to provide employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Atwoli's statement comes as a response to the numerous reports of Kenyans suffering in foreign lands, and he emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens.
