The Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait has clarified that Kuwait has not imposed a new ban on Kenyan domestic workers, saying recent media reports misinterpreted a routine regulatory update.
The Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait has moved to set the record straight following reports that Kuwait had imposed a fresh ban on the recruitment of Kenyan domestic workers, stating categorically that no such ban exists.
In a statement issued on June 11, the embassy said the reports had misinterpreted a communication from Kuwaiti authorities that was simply updating procedures and regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers in the country.
The embassy clarified that Kenya's deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait had in fact been voluntarily suspended by the Kenyan government approximately ten years ago, and that position has remained unchanged to this day. "The recent communication by the Kuwaiti authorities does not constitute a new restriction on Kenya," the embassy said, describing it instead as a reflection of the existing operational and regulatory environment.
Importantly, the embassy stressed that the current restrictions apply exclusively to the domestic worker category and have no bearing on other Kenyan workers seeking employment in Kuwait. "All other categories of Kenyan workers remain eligible to pursue employment opportunities in Kuwait in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of both countries," the statement said.
The embassy also revealed that Kenya and Kuwait are engaged in ongoing consultations aimed at developing a bilateral framework for the domestic labour sector, with discussions focused on establishing mutually agreed mechanisms, procedures and safeguards to support future cooperation between the two countries.
Describing Kuwait as an important and growing destination for Kenyan migrant labour, the embassy noted that increasing numbers of Kenyans have secured jobs across various sectors in recent years and have built a strong reputation for professionalism, competence and work ethic.
The embassy urged Kenyans and stakeholders not to interpret the recent reports as a sign of reduced employment opportunities in Kuwait, pledging to continue working with authorities on both sides to strengthen safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility arrangements.