It is encouraging to see remittances from Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia grow at the fastest rate at a time that from other markets such as the US have declined.
Kenyans in Saudi Arabia, which has overtaken the UK to become the second-largest source of remittances, sent home $245.95 million (Sh36.48 billion) in the eight months through August or 30.28 percent more compared with the same period last year.
The sustained growth in remittances speaks to the potential in the Gulf to support the economy with foreign currency as well as sustaining livelihoods.
However, the government should do more in addressing the harsh living conditions of some Kenyans in the Middle East. Remittances should not be at the expense of the safety of many of its citizens living and working there.
A considerable number of domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are reportedly battling pain and agony after fleeing joblessness in Kenya. Some have in fact died under unclear circumstances.
The government should move with speed in developing a comprehensive policy and legal framework for Kenyan migrant workers, especially in the Gulf where numbers are rising.
It is also worrying that Kenya does not have an official record of its citizens working in the Gulf. This makes it difficult to intervene when such Kenyans run into challenges.
The State had earlier planned an insurance cover for those going to the Gulf for jobs but this has also not been implemented.
