Riyadh / Nairobi — In a move that has raised both hopes and skepticism, Saudi Arabia has announced that all workers — including Kenyan nationals — will receive a monthly minimum salary of SAR 1,000, which local media report is equivalent to roughly KSh 110,000, starting February 2026.
What the Announcement Says
- According to a statement from the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, the Saudi government’s planned labour reforms include implementing a minimum pay of SAR 1,000/month for all workers.
- The Embassy is urging Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia to verify with their employers that the new salary structure will be applied, and to report any non-compliance via the Embassy’s official channels.
- The reforms are being made in the context of broader labour changes in Saudi Arabia, including some revisions to the kafala system — a long-criticized sponsorship framework for migrant labour.
But the Numbers Don’t Fully Add Up
While some media are quoting KSh 110,000 as the local equivalent, the conversion is misleading. According to the Kenyan Embassy’s own communication, the wage of “SAR 1,000” translates to approximately KSh 34,455.
- This discrepancy suggests that some outlets may be misreporting or misinterpreting the exchange rate.
- The more conservative figure (KSh 34,455) is significantly lower than the “KSh 110,000” headline, casting doubt on whether this salary will dramatically improve the earnings of many Kenyan workers.
Why This Matters
- Worker Protection: The Embassy has made clear it will monitor implementation closely. For many Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia, this could be a welcome protection against very low or irregular pay.
- Historical Concerns: Reports and investigations have previously revealed how some Kenyan workers, especially domestic workers, face exploitation in Saudi Arabia.
- Recruitment Risks: There is also concern that recruitment agencies might take advantage of eager job-seekers by promising inflated salaries. Without clear enforcement, the new minimum may not mean much in practice.
Reactions from Kenya
- The Kenyan government, through its diplomatic channels, seems cautiously optimistic, emphasizing worker welfare and urging nationals to use the Embassy’s support systems.
- Critics and labour rights advocates, however, are warning that past abuses — including withheld pay, passport confiscation, and poor working conditions — may continue unless stronger safeguards are enforced.
- There is also a broader debate in Kenya on how much the government does to shield its citizens working abroad from exploitative arrangements.
Behind the Reform: Broader Labour Changes
- The wage reform is part of a wider package of labour changes in Saudi Arabia. Some of these changes relate to the kafala system, historically criticized for limiting workers’ freedom and placing their legal status in the hands of their employers.
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources has in recent years revised recruitment costs and labour protections, particularly for migrant workers.
- However, rights groups argue that certain categories — especially domestic workers — remain excluded from full protections.
What Kenyan Workers Should Do
- Confirm with your employer whether the new minimum wage policy will apply to you after February 2026.
- Keep documented proof of what you’re paid, and if possible, save copies of your contract and salary slips.
- Use the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh as a resource: report any delay or refusal to pay, or any violation of labour laws.
- Stay informed: changes are still being rolled out, and implementation may vary depending on employer, region, or sector.
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