Kenyans returning with Children from abroad to undergo DNA testing—CS Mutua
The Kenyan government has introduced a new policy requiring mothers who return to Kenya with children from abroad to undergo mandatory DNA tests.
Mothers returning to Kenya with children from abroad will now undergo mandatory DNA tests.
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This was announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua on Wednesday during his Senate appearance.
The primary aim of the policy, according to Mutua, is to combat the increasing problem of child trafficking and to ensure the safety and well-being of children entering the country.
Mutua explained that the DNA tests would be conducted upon arrival at the country's point of entry to verify the biological relationship between the mother and child.
This follows concerns over the rising number of cases involving Kenyan women who give birth abroad, with some of them potentially being involved in child trafficking schemes.
"We have got quite a number of Kenyans in some countries who have given birth. We are trying to get them back home with their children. Once they are here, we will do a DNA test to match the child to the mother and avoid child trafficking," Mutua stated.
The government is also working on repatriating these women and their children back to Kenya. The Ministry of Labour has promised to provide necessary support for these families as they return.
"We are trying to get them back home with their children," Mutua added, outlining the government's ongoing efforts in ensuring a smooth and safe repatriation process.
In addition to the DNA testing policy, Mutua emphasized the steps the government is taking to assist Kenyan citizens facing distress while working abroad.
The government has provided specific reporting tools, including emergency phone numbers, which are accessible through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labour's websites.
"If you have any distress, you call this number," Mutua stated, offering a direct line for Kenyans in trouble while overseas.
The Labour CS also highlighted plans to improve the support system for Kenyan workers abroad by posting new labour attachments to key countries. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Switzerland, the UAE, and Germany.
CS Mutua revealed that within the next two to three months, new labour attachments would be deployed, with the initiative expected to cost about Ksh 300 million.
However, the announcement was not without controversy. Some senators raised concerns over Mutua's comments about the behaviour of Kenyans working abroad.
The Labour CS advised against activism while abroad, warning that such actions could lead to legal trouble in foreign countries.
"We are forming a system with attitude training to teach our young people, who have grown up in an activist system. So that we train them to leave their activism at home, they go there and follow the system," Mutua cautioned.
These remarks sparked reactions from several senators, including Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, who accused Mutua of unfairly profiling Kenyan workers abroad.
"Is that the appreciation of the ministry of the calibre of Kenyans that we send for jobs abroad?" Wambua asked, expressing discontent with the generalisation of Kenyan workers as activists.
Furthermore, Mutua's assertions regarding Kenyan deaths abroad also came under scrutiny. Vihiga Sen. Godfrey Osotsi criticised the Labour CS for allegedly misleading the Senate by claiming that no Kenyan had died while working overseas.
Despite numerous reports of Kenyan fatalities in countries like Saudi Arabia, the government has yet to take any significant action.
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