Kenya’s labour migration strategy came under renewed scrutiny on Wednesday after presidential economic adviser David Ndii defended the government’s programme sending domestic workers to the Middle East, prompting strong criticism from Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin.
The exchange on X highlighted long-standing concerns about the safety of Kenyan workers abroad and the government’s responsibility in safeguarding their welfare.
Ndii, responding to an online discussion, argued that Kenyans seeking domestic work in Gulf countries earn higher incomes than those employed locally. In his remarks, he compared an estimated Sh20,000 in monthly remittances to what he characterised as low domestic wages in urban households.
The comments formed part of a broader defence of the administration’s approach to overseas employment opportunities.
Hundeyin challenged the adviser’s position, saying the statement effectively endorsed conditions linked to the Kafala system, which rights groups have repeatedly criticised.
In his posts, the journalist claimed Ndii was backing “semi-slavery” arrangements, citing fears that Kenyans may face exploitation once deployed to the region. Hundeyin also reflected on his past professional regard for Ndii, noting that he once referenced the Kenyan economist’s work in a TED talk.
Kenya has pursued labour agreements with Middle Eastern countries for more than a decade as part of efforts to address high unemployment and boost remittances, now one of the country’s largest foreign-exchange sources.
Successive administrations have viewed structured labour export programmes as a short-term economic opportunity, even as periodic reports of abuse have sparked public outrage.
Parliament has previously debated stricter regulation of recruitment agencies following cases involving withheld salaries, unsafe work environments, and unexplained deaths of domestic workers.
Government officials maintain that recent reforms are designed to improve oversight.
The Ministry of Labour has pledged tighter monitoring of private recruiters, expanded pre-departure training, and closer coordination with embassies in the Gulf.
Despite those assurances, activists say gaps remain, particularly in ensuring that Kenyan workers can report violations once inside private homes.
The latest clash between Ndii and Hundeyin has revived political and social debate ahead of ongoing reviews of migration policies.