ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The Kenyan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a relief support initiative targeting Kenyans who have lost jobs following a slowdown and closure of key sectors, including hospitality and related industries.
In a statement, the Embassy said the intervention was carried out on June 4, 2026, in Abu Dhabi under the leadership of Kenya’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Kenneth Nganga, working jointly with Kenyan diaspora community leaders.
According to the mission, the initiative involved the distribution of essential supplies to affected Kenyans as part of efforts to cushion them against immediate hardship while they seek to rebuild their livelihoods.
“Several Kenyans living and working in the UAE have been adversely affected by job losses resulting from the slowdown and closure of sectors such as hospitality and related industries,” the Embassy said.
The Embassy described the outreach as part of its broader welfare mandate for Kenyans abroad, emphasizing collaboration with diaspora leaders in identifying vulnerable individuals and coordinating assistance.
“This humanitarian initiative reflects the strong partnership between the Embassy and the Kenyan diaspora community, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity, compassion, and mutual support that defines the Kenyan family abroad,” the statement added.
The intervention also benefited from a personal contribution by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and his spouse, which the Embassy said helped facilitate the support exercise.
The donation was formally received by representatives of the Kenyan community in Abu Dhabi on behalf of the beneficiaries.
The UAE remains one of the leading destinations for Kenyan migrant workers, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, retail, domestic work, aviation support services, and security. Thousands of Kenyans continue to seek employment opportunities in the Gulf region, which plays a significant role in Kenya’s diaspora-driven labour market.
However, recent economic shifts in parts of the Gulf have raised concerns over job security, prompting renewed attention to the welfare and working conditions of Kenyan workers abroad.
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The relief initiative comes amid ongoing discussions on strengthening protections for migrant workers and improving coordination between Kenyan diplomatic missions and diaspora communities in responding to employment and welfare challenges.
Kenyan authorities have in recent years urged citizens seeking overseas employment to verify recruitment agencies through official government channels to reduce cases of exploitation and job-related fraud.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs has also continued to encourage closer collaboration between embassies and diaspora networks in addressing emerging welfare needs of Kenyans living and working outside the country.
