Kenya’s nominee for Ambassador to Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Aden Mohamud Mohamed, has pledged to prioritize improved working terms for Kenyan migrant workers and to boost bilateral trade during his vetting by National Assembly Defence, Intellegence and Foreign Relations Committee.
In a meeting chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut), Mr. Aden Mohamud Mohamed, responsed to questions from legislators who highlighted the challenges faced by Kenyans working in the Saudi Arabia, particularly domestic workers.
In his response, the nominiee highlighted the recently introduced labor reforms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an opportunity. “We shall move to sign a new labor agreement based on this new system,” Mr. Mohammed a career diplomat said. “The previous agreement was signed in 2017.”
Mr. Aden Mohamud Mohamed underscored the significance of establishing a mission in Jeddah, citing its proximity to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, crucial for facilitating Kenyan pilgrimages.
Addressing Kenya’s negative trade balance with Saudi Arabia, a concern raised by Hon. Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central), Mr. Mohammed vowed to push for increased exports of Kenyan agricultural products like meat, livestock, tea, and coffee.
Lawmakers also vetted Mr. Kenneth Milimo Nganga, nominated for Ambassador to the Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), a career teacher and Kenya National Union of Teachers Representative
Committee Members sought details on how the nominee would put measures to address the challenges of doing business in the Gulf nation, particularly concerns about discrimination against African entrepreneurs.
Gilgil MP, Hon. Martha Wangari raised alarm over the sexual exploitation faced by Kenyan women working in the UAE. “What are you going to do to protect the rights of women and girls from sexual exploitation?” she asked.
Mr. Nganga acknowledged the issue and pledged to collaborate with Emirati authorities to address it.
“The United Arab Emirates has quite a number of migrant workers from Kenya . I would partner with the Ministry of Labour and the UAE govt to empower Kenyan workers and put measures in place to protect female migrant workers,” the nominee added.
During the meeting, Hon. Vincent Mogaka Kemosi, nominated as Ambassador to Ghana, withdrew his nomination to the post citing family obligations, according to a letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly read to the Committee by the Chairperson Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut).
The nominee’s withdrawal is inline with Sec 10 (6) of the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act.