Kenyan Workers in Saudi Arabia Get Long-Awaited Pay Boost In New Directive

Kenyan migrants working in Saudi Arabia are about to see major changes in their employment terms after a fresh directive from the Saudi authorities.

A notice from the Kenyan Embassy confirms that starting February 2026, all Kenyan workers will earn at least SAR 1,000 (Ksh34,455) per month.

The pay revision is tied to ongoing labour reforms following updates to the long-criticised Kafala system, which has historically controlled the rights and mobility of migrant workers in the Kingdom.

The Embassy, through a Facebook update, urged Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia to proactively consult their employers about the new wage policy.

Signpost of the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. /KENYAN EMBASSY RIYADH

“The Embassy wishes to inform all Kenyan workers that, effective February 2026, the Government of Saudi Arabia will implement a minimum salary of SAR 1,000 per month for all workers. This is in line with ongoing labor reforms following changes to the Kafala system,” the statement read.

Workers have been advised to flag any delays or issues via official Embassy channels for quick assistance. The Embassy reiterated its dedication to defending the welfare of Kenyans in Saudi Arabia and said it will keep a close eye on how the new salary structure is rolled out.

These reforms are expected to boost fairness, strengthen protections, and create better working environments for foreign labour.

The update comes shortly after Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi disclosed that more than 500 Kenyans have been rescued and brought home since 2022 after suffering abuse in foreign countries. 

During a media briefing on Wednesday, November 12, he said the government has stepped up its defence of citizens abroad, especially those targeted by predatory recruitment agencies.

“The government has to date rescued and repatriated more than 500 victims since 2022,” Mudavadi said, adding “Relevant government agencies have investigated and delisted close to 600 rogue foreign job agencies.

"This is not enough, and discussions are ongoing for a proposal to publicly list agencies that exploit the vulnerability of our people.”

He referenced recent incidents where the state organised the return of distressed nationals, including a Kenyan woman and her daughter evacuated from Qatar. Mudavadi added that in Saudi Arabia — home to thousands of Kenyan workers — undocumented children remain a frequent challenge.

“Through bilateral interventions and a drive dubbed Mobile Consular Services, we have conducted DNA tests and collected 707 samples to verify parentage. Positive matches have allowed us to process birth certificates and facilitate immediate repatriation for children and their mothers,” he said.

He further praised the Joint Interdepartmental Working Group (JIWG), created in January 2025 and comprising the Kenyan Embassy and key Saudi ministries, for improving rescue operations.

“Since inception, the deliberate efforts by the JIWG have resulted in the safe repatriation of 59 mothers and 73 children back to Kenya,” Mudavadi noted.

These interventions unfold amid a long list of cases involving mistreatment of Kenyans overseas, including fatal incidents in Gulf states.