Dear Changemakers,

Thank you for the great support we have received for this petition! We have some exciting news and updates to share with you. The government through the Labour and Social Protection Services have stated that they will establish safe houses in the Gulf to shelter migrant workers in distress before they are repatriated. Primary focus will be given to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where most of the cases originate, thereafter they will move to Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia and in Qatar. The CS has mentioned a few other reforms including: 

1. Operationalising the Kenyan Migrant Workers Welfare Fund, to provide protection, welfare and assistance to Kenyan migrant workers during migration
2. Establish pre-departure training programmes for the workers before they depart; and
3. Reviewing the regulation of private employment agencies with a view to enhancing ethical recruitment and increasing accountability.

We are happy about the work the government is doing but until these reforms have been implemented we will continue pushing for the safety of our fellow Kenyans in the Middle East.