'Suspension was imposed 10 years ago,' Kenya explains Kuwait domestic worker ban reports

Earlier reports had indicated that Kuwait’s Interior Ministry issued a circular limiting the recruitment of domestic workers to 10 approved countries, reportedly excluding Kenya, sparking public concern.

However, in a detailed clarification, the Embassy said no new ban had been imposed, revealing that the Government of Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately ten years ago.

“The Embassy wishes to clarify as follows: Kenya has not been newly banned from sending domestic workers to Kuwait,” the statement read. “The Government of Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately ten years ago, and that position remains in effect.”

The Embassy further noted that the recent communication by Kuwaiti authorities should not be viewed as a new punitive measure against Kenya, but rather as part of the existing regulatory framework governing the domestic labour sector in the country.

“The recent communication by the Kuwaiti authorities does not constitute a new restriction on Kenya. Rather, it reflects the prevailing operational and regulatory environment governing domestic worker recruitment in Kuwait, and should be understood as a reflection of the long-standing status quo,” the statement added.

According to the Embassy, discussions between Nairobi and Kuwait City are ongoing, aimed at establishing a structured bilateral framework to govern future labour mobility in the domestic work sector.

“The Government of Kenya and the State of Kuwait are engaged in ongoing consultations regarding a bilateral framework for the domestic labour sector,” the Embassy said, noting that the objective is to “establish mutually agreed mechanisms, procedures and safeguards that would support future cooperation in this area.”

The clarification also emphasized that the issue is limited strictly to domestic work placements and does not affect other employment categories for Kenyan workers in Kuwait.

“Importantly, the current position relates only to the domestic worker category. 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 read.

The Embassy further highlighted Kuwait’s continued importance as a labour destination for Kenyans, citing growing opportunities across various sectors and the positive reputation of Kenyan workers in the Gulf state.

“Kuwait continues to be an important and growing destination for Kenyan migrant labour,” the statement noted, adding that Kenyan workers are widely regarded for their “professionalism, competence, strong work ethic and contribution to productivity across various sectors of the economy.”

The Embassy assured Kenyans and stakeholders that it will continue engaging Kuwaiti authorities to promote safe and orderly labour mobility arrangements, urging the public to disregard misinterpretations of the recent communication.

“The Embassy therefore wishes to assure the Kenyan public and all stakeholders that the recent reports should not be construed as a new ban on Kenyan workers,” it concluded.