Kenya has moved to correct reports suggesting that Kuwait has recently imposed a new ban on the recruitment of Kenyan domestic workers, saying the information being circulated in parts of the media is inaccurate and misrepresents the current situation.
In a statement, the Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait clarified that there has been no new policy decision by the Kuwaiti government targeting Kenyan domestic workers, stressing that Kenya voluntarily suspended their deployment to Kuwait about 10 years ago, a position still in force.
The clarification follows earlier reports claiming that Kuwait’s Interior Ministry had circulated guidelines limiting domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries, allegedly excluding Kenya and raising public concern over a possible new restriction.
“Kenya has not been newly banned from sending domestic workers to Kuwait. Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately 10 years ago," the Embassy said.
According to the statement, Kenya and Kuwait are currently engaged in ongoing consultations aimed at establishing a formal bilateral framework for the domestic labour sector, with discussions focusing on structured recruitment processes, agreed safeguards for workers, and clear operational guidelines that would govern any future cooperation in the sector.
Further, the Embassy clarified that the issue under discussion relates solely to domestic work and should not be interpreted as affecting Kenyan employment opportunities in other sectors.
“Kenyans have secured employment opportunities across a wide range of sectors, reflecting the strong reputation Kenyan workers have earned in the Kuwaiti labour market for their professionalism, competence, strong work ethic and contribution to productivity across various sectors of the economy,” the consulate added.
The Embassy subsequently urged the public to rely on verified official communication when interpreting developments related to overseas employment, warning that misrepresentation of policy updates can create unnecessary confusion among job seekers and recruitment stakeholders.
It added that both governments remain committed to strengthening labour cooperation frameworks in a way that supports safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility arrangements in the future.
“The Embassy therefore wishes to assure the Kenyan public and all stakeholders that the recent reports should not be construed as a new ban on Kenyan workers," it said.
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