Social welfare fund for Kenyan women working abroad

The Kenya Kwanza Government promised to establish a social welfare fund for Kenyan women working abroad to provide a safety net for distressed diaspora citizens.

• In 2023, the Ministry of Labour proposed that all Kenyans working abroad begin making mandatory contributions to a State welfare scheme – the Kenya Migrant Workers Welfare Fund – which was aimed at providing essential relief assistance to migrant workers
• Senate is also currently considering the Labour Migration and Management (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bills No. 42 of 2024) which proposes the establishment of the Migrant Workers Welfare Fund.

• As of now, there is no evidence that a fully operational, legislated social welfare fund for diaspora women has been established, and support remains case-by-case rather than through a structured financial mechanism.