Kenyan nurses sent by the government to take up jobs in Saudi Arabia have shared some of the harrowing experiences they are facing at work.
In a series of messages shared by journalist Larry Madowo on his official X account on Friday, 29 November, the nurses detailed the various hardships they are enduring, accusing the Kenyan government of ignoring their pleas.
The nurses explained that they travelled to Saudi Arabia under a government initiative for caregivers and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), hoping for well-paying jobs with favourable working conditions.
However, just months into their employment, the nurses are expressing frustration with the company, citing unfulfilled promises and mistreatment.
The employees claimed that they are not given off days and are expected to work continuously unless they have an emergent medical condition.
"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. Kindly ensure this information is disseminated and that the new directive is complied with," read part of a notice to employees, as shared by Larry Madowo.
Additionally, the nurses alleged that they are working under slavery-like conditions, characterized by rampant racism, no days off, and other labour law violations.
According to the employees, their attempts to seek assistance from the government have been futile, with supervisors instructing those with complaints to resign.
"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.
Reacting to the allegations and speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu revealed that the Ministry has yet to receive any complaints of distress from the 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.
The PS however directed any employees facing challenges to report to the Embassy in Riyadh, or the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for assistance.
She maintained that the Ministry is focused on championing the rights and welfare of the nurses abroad terming it as a critical part of its mandate.
"We stand ready to support these citizens. However, we do need them to report these issues to us for action," the PS continued.
Early January, the Ministry of Labour invited applicants to apply for 2,500 open jobs in the health sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This is after the government had settled on Fast Reliable Enterprises and Nasmama Services Limited to oversee the recruitment of nurses to Saudi Arabia.
