Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has dismissed claims that President William Ruto’s family has been benefiting from the country’s labour export programme to Saudi Arabia. Speaking during a media briefing, Mudavadi termed the allegations as “baseless and misleading,” insisting that the labour migration framework is handled through official government channels, not private interests.
Government Says Process Is Transparent
Mudavadi emphasized that all agreements between Kenya and Saudi Arabia are state-to-state and are structured to ensure the welfare and protection of Kenyan migrant workers. He noted that the government has been strengthening bilateral labour relations to create secure employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad, especially domestic and skilled workers.
According to Mudavadi, the notion that the programme is influenced or controlled by individuals connected to the President is “politically motivated noise” meant to undermine the government’s ongoing reforms in labour migration.
Protecting Workers Remains the Focus
He also highlighted new measures introduced to safeguard Kenyan workers in the Middle East, including:
- Stricter vetting of recruitment agencies
- Stronger monitoring mechanisms in host countries
- Hotlines and rapid-response systems for distressed workers
- Collaboration with Saudi authorities to address complaints promptly
- Mudavadi reiterated that these improvements are aimed at reducing cases of abuse, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions.
Political Undercurrents Persist
The allegations had sparked online debate and prompted calls for greater transparency in Kenya’s labour export processes. However, the government has maintained that the programme is above board and guided by regulations from the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and international labour standards. Mudavadi urged leaders to avoid spreading misinformation and instead support efforts to enhance Kenya’s global labour footprint while ensuring the dignity and rights of workers.
Conclusion
The government continues to push for expanded job opportunities abroad, positioning labour migration as a key contributor to Kenya’s economy. As debate continues, Mudavadi’s firm denial seeks to reassure the public that the programme is being run for the benefit of all Kenyans not a select few.
