Larry Madowo Highlights Plights Of Kenyans In Saudi Arabia As Gov’t Struggles To Respond
Kenyan nurses deployed by the government to work in Saudi Arabia have described some of their traumatic experiences on the job.
In a series of comments posted on writer Larry Madowo’s official X account on Friday, November 29, the nurses highlighted the numerous challenges they are facing, accusing the Kenyan government of ignoring their requests.
The nurses claimed that they traveled to Saudi Arabia as part of a government push for caregivers and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), hoping to find well-paying positions with good working circumstances.
However, just a few months into their work, the nurses are expressing dissatisfaction with the organization, citing broken promises and abuse.
The Kenyan government sent hundreds of caregivers and certified nursing assistants (CNA) to Saudi Arabia.
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) November 29, 2024
They say they work in slavery-like conditions with rampant racism, no days off and other labor law violations pic.twitter.com/lJsN5KXFAD
Employees reported that they are not given days off and are required to work continuously unless they have an emergency medical issue.
“Please be informed that, following a meeting held on 27 November, it has been decided that all employees will no longer have scheduled days off,” read part of a notice to employees, as shared by Larry Madowo.
“Kindly ensure this information is disseminated and that the new directive is complied with.”
Furthermore, the nurses claimed that they are working in slavery-like conditions, with pervasive racism, no days off, and other labor code breaches.
According to the employees, their attempts to seek government assistance have failed, with superiors advising those with complaints to retire.
“It’s important to understand that I am a supervisor, not the owner or the manager of the company. We have made efforts to address your concerns, but unfortunately, no significant changes have resulted.
“If you find the way we manage things intolerable, you have the right to resign. If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, please send an email to raise your concerns,” read a notice from a supervisor, as shared by Larry Madowo.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu responded to the claims and told Kenyans.co.ke that the Ministry has yet to receive any complaints of distress from nurses in Saudi Arabia.
“We haven’t received any reports of distress from nurses working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the PS’s statement read in part.
However, the PS encouraged any employees experiencing difficulties to contact the Embassy in Riyadh or the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for assistance.
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She reiterated that the Ministry is committed to supporting the rights and well-being of nurses overseas, describing it as a crucial component of its duty.
“We stand ready to support these citizens. However, we do need them to report these issues to us for action,” the PS continued.
In early January, the Ministry of Labour invited individuals to apply for 2,500 available healthcare positions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This comes after the government selected Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Limited to supervise the recruitment of nurses in Saudi Arabia.
Larry Madowo Highlights Plights Of Kenyans In Saudi Arabia As Gov’t Struggles To Respond
