Mudavadi Slams New York Times Over Article Implicating Ruto’s Family in Labour Export Industry
Nairobi, Kenya – Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has strongly dismissed allegations published by the New York Times suggesting that President William Ruto’s family members are linked to recruitment agencies accused of exploiting Kenyan workers abroad.
Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 19, Mudavadi described the claims as misleading and sensational, insisting that the Kenya Kwanza administration has taken deliberate steps to protect citizens seeking employment overseas.
“It is therefore misleading, careless, and sensational for any media outlet to insinuate that the Government has, at any point, participated in or tolerated slavery or the exploitation of Kenyans pursuing opportunities abroad,” Mudavadi stated.
“Our commitment remains unwavering to shield our citizens, expand their opportunities, and elevate Kenya’s global footprint with dignity and resolve.”
Government Measures
Mudavadi outlined several initiatives aimed at safeguarding Kenyans working abroad. He revealed that more than 600 rogue recruitment agencies had been deregistered, with new licensing requirements mandating that agencies provide insurance cover at no cost to workers.
He also highlighted the creation of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, a first in Kenya’s history, tasked with championing the rights and aspirations of Kenyans living abroad. According to Mudavadi, the department has already contributed to a significant rise in diaspora remittances, from Ksh490 billion in 2022 to Ksh650 billion in 2024, with a national target of Ksh1 trillion by 2027.
“We have taken bold, deliberate, and forward-looking steps to ensure Kenyans abroad are safe and supported. The deregistration of rogue agencies and the establishment of the Diaspora Affairs department are part of this commitment,” he told lawmakers.
The Allegations
The New York Times investigation alleged that some government officials and members of President Ruto’s family were shareholders in recruitment agencies facilitating the export of Kenyan labour to Saudi Arabia. The report highlighted the plight of unwed Kenyan mothers stranded in Riyadh, many of whom were left homeless due to delays at the Kenyan Embassy.
It further claimed that workers often received little assistance when facing employment challenges, despite earning among the lowest wages compared to other foreign domestic workers. The minimum monthly wage for Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia was recently adjusted from Ksh31,000 to Ksh34,000.
The article suggested that agency owners stood to benefit financially from the labour export system, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
Labour Export Debate
Kenya’s labour export industry has grown rapidly, with nearly four million citizens abroad collectively remitting close to Ksh1 trillion annually – surpassing traditional exports such as tea and coffee. While remittances have become a vital source of foreign exchange, critics argue that the government has not done enough to address the vulnerabilities faced by workers in foreign countries.
Mudavadi acknowledged the challenges but maintained that Kenya’s policies are designed to balance opportunity with protection. He cautioned that wage negotiations must consider regional competitiveness, warning that excessive increases could push employers in the Gulf to recruit from cheaper labour markets such as Burundi and Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Mudavadi’s rebuttal underscores the government’s sensitivity to international scrutiny over its labour export policies. While diaspora remittances continue to bolster Kenya’s economy, the debate over worker welfare and recruitment practices remains unresolved.
As the Talanta Stadium and other flagship projects dominate headlines, the controversy surrounding labour exports highlights the delicate balance between economic opportunity and the protection of vulnerable citizens abroad.
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Mudavadi Slams New York Times Over Article Implicating Ruto’s Family in Labour Export Industry
