Kenyans face deadly conditions while working in Saudi Arabia

Over the last five years, approximately 274 Kenyan women have died while working in Saudi Arabia, raising alarm about the dangerous conditions they face. Many East African women are lured by promises of better job opportunities, but once they arrive, they often encounter abuse, wage theft, and inhumane living conditions. Reports indicate that these workers face beatings, starvation, and sexual assault from their employers, and when they seek help, they are often met with indifference or hostility from authorities. Additionally, lack of adequate legal protections and enforcement leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. In many cases, the staffing agencies that recruit these women are linked to powerful political figures in both Kenya and Uganda, which complicates efforts to seek justice for those who suffer abuse. Despite documented instances of mistreatment, both governments continue to support the export of labor to Saudi Arabia, prioritizing economic opportunities over the wellbeing of the workers they send abroad. This troubling reality highlights the urgent need for systemic reform in labor practices and international protections for domestic workers. Without significant changes, the cycle of exploitation is likely to continue, leaving many women at the mercy of their employers.