A Kitengela man has appealed for government intervention after his wife allegedly left for Saudi Arabia without informing him. He now cares for their three children alone.
Benerd Ongaki said his life changed on June 19 after he dropped his wife at work. Later that day, he allegedly discovered that she had travelled to Saudi Arabia.
According to Ongaki, he repeatedly tried to contact her without success. Later, people informed him that recruitment agents had allegedly convinced her to seek work abroad.
Fears for Wife’s Safety
Ongaki urged his wife to return home for the sake of their children. He said he fears for her safety because many Kenyans reportedly face harsh conditions in Gulf countries.
“In return, for the sake of our children, I plead with her to come back,” Ongaki said.
He also accused some recruitment agents in areas such as Ruiru of misleading desperate job seekers. According to him, they promise better opportunities before sending people into difficult situations.
Ongaki claimed many Kenyans later become stranded after arriving in foreign countries. Others reportedly struggle to communicate with their families back home.
Concerns Over Rogue Recruitment Agencies
The incident has renewed concerns over rogue recruitment agencies targeting unemployed Kenyans. Many job seekers continue searching for opportunities abroad because of unemployment and economic hardship.
Thousands of Kenyans have travelled to Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, for domestic and hospitality jobs. However, many have reported exploitation, poor working conditions and abuse.
In 2024, the government revoked more than 700 recruitment agency licences. Authorities accused the agencies of exploiting job seekers and violating labour migration regulations.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said the government had intensified oversight of recruitment agencies. She said the move aims to protect Kenyans seeking employment outside the country.
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