Embassy denies claims of Kenyan workers’ mistreatment in Saudi Arabia
By Aloys Michael, February 15, 2026The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh has brushed off social media claims that Kenyan nationals are being mistreated at the Saudi Manpower Solutions Company (SMASCO) accommodation centre, describing the claims as unfounded.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, February 14, 2026, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of all Kenyans living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Riyadh takes note of a video circulating online, alleging neglect and misconduct in assisting Kenyans at the Saudi Manpower Solutions Company (SMASCO) accommodation centre. The Embassy wishes to clarify that these claims are unfounded,” the X statement read in part.
According to the statement, SMASCO is a fully licensed recruitment and support services provider operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, delivering regulated domestic worker services in compliance with national labour laws.
The Embassy maintains structured supervision of SMASCO through scheduled weekly inspections and conducts additional visits whenever urgent concerns arise to ensure worker welfare and compliance standards are upheld.
Between July 2025 and January 2026, the Embassy successfully coordinated the repatriation of more than 2,590 Kenyan nationals from SMASCO facilities and other deportation centres, prioritising cases involving illness, vulnerability, and humanitarian emergencies for immediate intervention.
Assessing claims
Addressing a viral social media post, the Embassy confirmed it will assess the circulating claims during its routine monitoring visits to SMASCO as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and worker protection.
“The Embassy will, however, as part of the routine visits to SMASCO, verify the alleged claims in the circulating post,” the statement read.
The Embassy emphasised that the welfare of Kenyan nationals remains a priority and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources rather than unconfirmed online reports.
“The Embassy reaffirms its commitment to protecting the welfare of all Kenyans in the Kingdom and urges the public to rely on verified information from official sources.”
Earlier, domestic workers facing abuse, unpaid wages, overwork, or any form of mistreatment were urged to report immediately to the embassy.
Pay rise
In a Facebook post on Sunday, November 16, 2025, the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh revealed the new update, urging workers to confirm implementation of the new minimum salaries with their respective employers.
“The Embassy wishes to inform all Kenyan workers that, effective February 2026, the Government of Saudi Arabia will implement a minimum salary of SAR 1,000 per month for all workers. This is in line with ongoing labour reforms following changes to the Kafala system,” the statement read.
Effective 2026, each worker working in Saudi Arabia is set to earn a minimum of about Ksh34,455 per month.
This comes even as the government is under fire over claims that it has failed to provide diplomatic assistance to stranded mothers in the Kingdom.
The new salary structure is set to take place starting February 2026 as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing labour reforms following changes to the Kafala system.
The Embassy further said that workers have been advised to raise issues promptly to ensure compliance while also safeguarding their rights under the revised labour regulations.