The Kenyan government has unveiled a new emergency response framework designed to enhance the safety and welfare of its citizens living and working in Saudi Arabia, a country that hosts one of Kenya’s largest migrant populations.
The move comes amid sustained concern over cases of abuse, labour exploitation and delayed consular intervention affecting Kenyans in the Gulf.
Central to the initiative is the launch of a 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline, 8001000352, operated by the Kenya Consulate in Jeddah. The service is intended to provide immediate assistance to Kenyans facing distressing situations anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the hotline will run around the clock, enabling citizens to seek help in emergencies such as labour disputes, arrest or detention, abuse, medical crises, or the loss of travel and identification documents. It is also expected to support undocumented or stranded Kenyans, as well as those seeking repatriation on medical, legal or humanitarian grounds.
The new measures form part of broader reforms aimed at improving consular responsiveness in countries with high concentrations of Kenyan migrant workers. Saudi Arabia is home to tens of thousands of Kenyans employed mainly in domestic work, construction, hospitality and security.
Over the years, reports of unpaid wages, contract violations, restricted movement and mistreatment have persisted, fueling calls for stronger diplomatic action and faster response systems. Authorities say the hotline complements existing bilateral labour agreements between Kenya and Saudi Arabia, which provide for humane working conditions, regulated recruitment and access to justice.
The announcement follows recent public concern raised by Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa over a Kenyan mother from Vihiga County who was stranded in Riyadh for years with her child. The government has since rolled out initiatives, including the Mwanamberi Project, to address similar cases. Kenyans in Saudi Arabia have been urged to share the hotline details widely to ensure timely access to help.