Kenyan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia are expected to earn a minimum salary of KSh 34,455 following the introduction of a new labour regulation aimed at standardising earnings for domestic and low-skilled workers.
According to an update issued by the Kenyan Embassy, the policy, announced through updated bilateral labour agreements, seeks to ensure fair compensation and better working conditions for thousands of Kenyans employed in the Gulf nation.
The new law is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen protections for migrant workers, address historical complaints of underpayment, and align labour contracts with internationally recognised standards.
Recruitment agencies are now required to comply with the revised wage structure before deploying workers.
Impact on Migrant Workers’ Welfare
The minimum pay requirement is expected to significantly improve the livelihood of Kenyans working in Saudi Arabia.
Many workers previously earned lower wages, making it difficult to meet personal financial obligations or support their families back home.
With the new salary threshold, workers are projected to experience greater financial stability, enabling them to plan long-term goals more effectively.
Improved income also enhances access to better living conditions, healthcare services, and personal savings.
Career development and skill-building opportunities are also expected to expand, with migrants gaining hands-on experience in structured work environments.
This exposure allows workers to return home with enhanced competencies that can be applied in hospitality, caregiving, and household management industries.
Economic Benefits to Kenya
The revised earnings structure is anticipated to increase remittances sent back to Kenya. Remittances remain one of the country’s top foreign exchange contributors, supporting household incomes and supplementing national revenue.
Higher wages translate into higher monthly transfers to families, contributing to improved access to education, healthcare, and small-scale investment activities.
Households benefiting from these inflows often channel funds into farming, retail businesses, and real estate developments, strengthening local economies.
The government also benefits from increased forex reserves driven by remittances from the Gulf region, which help stabilise the shilling and support national economic planning.
Remittances play a key role in cushioning the economy during periods of inflation or slow growth, making the improved wage structure a strategic gain.
The introduction of the new minimum wage has further cemented diplomatic and labour relations between Kenya and Saudi Arabia.
The structured framework is expected to enhance monitoring, strengthen compliance, and reduce labour-related disputes.
Authorities from both countries are now working to ensure adherence to the new policy, including the creation of clearer complaint-resolution channels and improved oversight of recruitment companies.
BY jane nduta
