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{
    "id": 948255,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/948255/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 354,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Wajir South, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mohamed Mohamud",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13506,
        "legal_name": "Mohamud Sheikh Mohammed",
        "slug": "mohamud-sheikh-mohammed"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Report. However, it should have an in depth discussion on various things that were there like serious challenges that affect the workers and families of workers who have worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt that there is great information that we have received from the Report. This information includes the regulations that are in place in that country. I understand that there are specifics that are in place that safeguard the welfare of the Kenyan workers that are in Saudi Arabia. We have seen in publications in the public domain that many Kenyans have suffered in the hands of their employers. Families have reported considerable exponential suffering. That must be included in this Report. That is missing in this Report. The other important information that has not been indicated as well is the highlight of cultural education for Saudis and Kenyans alike. Let me clearly put it this way that, having been to Saudi Arabia myself and seen it, it is important the Saudis also understand the cultures; dynamics and backgrounds of Kenyans who work there. It is important that we reiterate and ensure that our Kenyan workers are not left out in terms of understanding the culture, socio- cultural activities and norms of that society. It is also equally important that the Saudi community is sensitised and inculcated about our culture, way of life and the way we live and work with others. All these should be informed to the Saudis as well. What I would have seen is a review of the labour laws of Kenya. That calls for us to examine the specifics of the challenge that really needs to be understood from the Kenyan aspect. According to the Report, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has streamlined some systems like the MusaNet of 2014. That also needs to be noted quite clearly and what it really means and entails. According to reports, the pre-departure training has now been put in place. That is not indicated in that particular report. We need to see that quite clearly coming out. Information on labour market is also something that we want to see coming out. What I really want to emphasise on is this Report should have also examined the welfare. For example, a migrant welfare fund should be created. This Report did not clearly spell out when and how that should be created. Let me bring it to the House to understand quickly. In January 2019, an agreement between Kenya and Saudi Arabia was established. This Report also needed to explain that agreement clearly so that we can understand and know the structured communication that pertains to that agreement of January 2019. We want to strengthen our bilateral agreement. That also must be highlighted. I need to see other information and things that should be in place in terms of our bilateral agreement. That will safeguard the welfare of our community and our people who work in foreign countries, particular in this case of Saudi Arabia. The minimum wage is indicated to be Kshs40,000. As far as I am concerned, that is quite low. Therefore, it needs to be clearly explained how that has come into place. Kshs40 000 is The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposes only. Acertified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}