The Grim Reality of Domestic Work: East African Women in Saudi Arabia

Despite the allure of better opportunities abroad, East African women working as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia confront grave dangers, with many suffering abuse, neglect, and even death. The need for systemic reforms and government intervention remains urgent as the deaths of these workers raise alarming questions about their welfare.

On any given day at Nairobi international airport, the anticipation among clusters of women embarking on journeys to Saudi Arabia is palpable. Dressed in matching T-shirts, they excitedly share plans of saving money from their new jobs, living in hope that two years of work as housekeepers or nannies will transform their lives. However, the narrative often shifts dramatically once these women return, as they face the chilling reality of their experiences abroad.

In stark contrast to the buzz of optimism at departures, the arrivals frequently tell a different story. Many women return bearing signs of trauma, and some arrive in coffins. Over the past five years, at least 274 Kenyan workers, predominantly female, have died in Saudi Arabia—a staggering statistic for occupations generally considered safe in other contexts. Reports from the previous year alone revealed a grim figure of 55 deaths, marking a troubling increase.

Information surrounding these tragic losses remains murky, with autopsy findings often ambiguous and careless; descriptions include evidence of burns and trauma, conveniently categorized as natural causes. The situation is equally concerning for Ugandan workers, though their government has not been forthcoming with data regarding their fates.

Amidst this plight, officials in Kenya, such as Fabian Kyule Muli, a prominent member of the labor committee in the National Assembly, have a duty to safeguard these workers. This influential committee could demand thorough investigations into these worker deaths, push for improved labor rights in Saudi Arabia, or implement laws that curb migration until necessary reforms are enacted. As the tragic experiences of these women continue to unfold, the call for decisive action grows louder.