Diaspora Affairs PS Responds To Kenyan Mothers Living In Saudi Streets
Roseline Njogu, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, has disputed accusations that some Kenyan mothers and their children are unable to leave Saudi Arabia due to unprocessed DNA results.
The PS was reacting to Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, who claimed that the government had delayed sending DNA results obtained three years ago to verify that Kenyan women were cleared to leave Saudi Arabia.
Senator Thangwa tweeted a message saying that a Kenyan mother from Vihiga County and her eight-year-old daughter were trapped in Riyadh for over three years while waiting for DNA test results.
According to the senator, the woman was one of several Kenyans who were unable to obtain approval to return home because the Kenyan embassy obtained DNA samples years ago but did not provide results or updates.
“By practice, every Kenyan woman who gives birth out of wedlock here must undergo a DNA test before being cleared to return home with her child,” Thangwa said.
“Her samples and those of many others were collected almost three years ago by officials who reportedly flew from Kenya through the embassy to conduct the process,” he added.
“They returned to Kenya with the samples. Three years later, no results, no updates, and no answers.”
Senator:
— Roseline Kathure Njogu, CBS 🇰🇪 (@roselinenjogu) November 13, 2025
This is inaccurate. DNA samples are not required for birth certificates to be issued- but they can be relied on when parents cannot produce birth notifications.
From the 2023 DNA project, all birth certificate applications applied for were issued. In fact 73 children… https://t.co/4K9H2UP5aE
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 13, the PS reiterated that DNA tests are not required for granting birth certificates to children born to Kenyan mothers overseas.
Furthermore, the PS stated that all birth certificate applications made through the 2023 DNA project had already been issued.
According to Njogu, the government has already returned 73 infants and 50 mothers as part of the 2023 DNA project.
“Senator: This is inaccurate. DNA samples are not required for birth certificates to be issued- but they can be relied on when parents cannot produce birth certificates,” the PS said.
“From the 2023 DNA project, all birth certificate applications applied for were issued,” she added.
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“In fact, 73 children and over 50 mothers have already been repatriated to Kenya. So, let me have the details of this birth certificate application, and our team can help.”
On his part, Senator Thangwa assured that he will raise the issue in the Senate to ensure that the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh fast-tracks the repatriation of Kenyan women and children stuck in Saudi Arabia.
“How many more mothers must wait? How many children must grow up stateless, homeless, and forgotten while offices trade silence and bureaucracy?” the Senator posed.
“It’s time we all turn our eyes to the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh and demand accountability.”
Diaspora Affairs PS Responds To Kenyan Mothers Living In Saudi Streets
