A project to build an Arabic-style home setting model house at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Mombasa is mired in controversy over allegations of poor workmanship. The model house, sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is designed to help Kenyan domestic workers preparing for employment in Saudi Arabia adapt to the cultural and domestic expectations of their prospective employers.
It aims to mitigate culture shock, which is one of the key challenges migrant workers face in the Gulf region.
To recreate the typical standards of an Arabic home, the house is to feature a fully-equipped modern kitchen with cookers, toasters, refrigerators, grills, frying pans, ovens, sugar boxes, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and other appliances.
However, during an inspection by the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, led by acting chair Lamu East MP Captain Ruweida Mohamed Obo, glaring issues were uncovered.
Initially awarded to a contractor whose contract was later terminated, the project has stalled and left its completion in limbo.
Although the project is reportedly 75 per cent complete and has already cost Sh4.5 million, the committee found little evidence of significant progress. The incomplete structure comprises plywood walls, a roof, and partially-installed plumbing.
Culture shock
Acting NITA Director-General Teresa Wasike explained that an additional Sh4.5 million is required to complete the project. She assured the committee that the remaining work, including equipping the house with appliances, would be completed by January, following the selection of a new contractor.
“We are confident the remaining 25 per cent will be finalised without major hurdles. Once finished, the model house will help trainees acclimatise to a typical Arab home and reduce the risk of culture shock,” said Wasike.
Despite these assurances, the authority could not avail crucial documentation, including the Bill of Quantities (BQ) that details the materials, labour and other associated costs.
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor (inset) emphasised the importance of the project in addressing the challenges faced by Kenyan migrant workers, many of whom come from rural areas with little exposure to modern household appliances.
“Some of us were only exposed to these appliances recently. You can’t take someone from a remote village, send them to Saudi Arabia and expect them to operate unfamiliar equipment seamlessly,” said Odiwuor.
The inspection comes amidst ongoing reforms in the labour migration sector.
In September, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua announced changes to pre-departure training programmes. These include combining homecare management training with pre-departure orientation and reducing the training period from 26 to 14 days.
