Mudavadi slams slavery claims, says Kenya has shut rogue agencies
By Kiprono Keileb, November 19, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended the government’s efforts to protect Kenyans working abroad, insisting that the country has put in place stronger systems to ensure their safety and dignity.
Mudavadi made the remarks while responding to concerns about the welfare of Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia. In his message posted on X on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, he presented a detailed outline of what he described as deliberate government actions aimed at ending exploitation and strengthening support for migrant workers.
He began by explaining the shift in government policy over the last two years, saying the administration has invested heavily in creating safer pathways for Kenyans seeking work abroad. He noted that this has helped workers secure jobs while also giving them confidence to invest their earnings back home.
“While responding to a question on the welfare of Kenyans living and working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I emphasised that the Administration of William Ruto has taken bold, deliberate, and forward-looking steps to safeguard our people abroad. We have built clear, structured pathways that ensure Kenyans can pursue safe and dignified employment opportunities overseas while confidently investing their hard-earned remittances back home,” he stated
Mudavadi highlighted one of the government’s biggest moves, deregistering over 600 recruitment agencies accused of violating labour standards. He added that the remaining agencies now operate under strict conditions.
He noted the need to protect Kenyans seeking jobs abroad. “One of the most decisive actions has been the deregistration of more than 600 rogue recruitment agencies. Today, every licensed private agency must provide insurance cover at no cost to the Kenyan worker, secured from a competitive insurance sector that guarantees better protection and accountability,” he wrote
He also explained the creation of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, noting that it was the first time the government had established a dedicated institution focused on supporting Kenyans abroad.
He said the new department has already strengthened safety and empowerment for millions of Kenyans living outside the country. “This department has strengthened the safety and empowerment of millions of Kenyans across the globe and helped drive diaspora remittances from Sh490 billion in 2022 to Sh650 billion in 2024, with a national target of Sh1 trillion by 2027,” he added
Mudavadi further pointed to new labour agreements with foreign governments, saying they are part of a broader strategy to secure fair wages and protect workers. He emphasised that more than 430,000 Kenyans have already benefited from structured employment abroad, while others have found digital jobs through Ajira.
He added that talks with Saudi Arabia on a comprehensive labour agreement are almost complete. “Our negotiations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a new comprehensive labour agreement are at an advanced stage. This agreement will cover both skilled and semi-skilled workers, with markedly improved wages, stronger safeguards, and clearer mechanisms to address workplace concerns. It is set to raise the minimum wage and significantly uplift the working conditions of Kenyans in Saudi Arabia,” the statement reads
Mudavadi also reassured Kenyans that the government recognises the contribution of the diaspora, describing them as skilled, resilient, and highly valued globally. “Our more than 4 million citizens abroad… are not simply seeking employment, they are being actively sought after across the world because of their expertise, resilience, and unmatched work ethic,” he added
He concluded by criticising claims linking the government to the exploitation of migrant workers, saying such allegations were unfair and misleading.
“It is therefore misleading, careless, and sensational for any media outlet to insinuate that the Government has, at any point, participated in or tolerated slavery or the exploitation of Kenyans pursuing opportunities abroad. Our commitment remains unwavering,” he concluded
Mudavadi reiterated that the government will continue strengthening protections and expanding opportunities for all Kenyans abroad.