What began as a journey of hope for a Kenyan woman seeking a better life abroad has turned into a story of pain and despair.
Elizabeth Njoki, a mother of two, travelled to Saudi Arabia with dreams of earning enough to provide for her children and lift her family out of poverty. Initially, her experience seemed positive — her employers treated her kindly, and her working environment appeared peaceful.
However, beneath that calm surface, things began to take a dark turn. Njoki’s optimism soon faded as she reportedly faced mistreatment and exploitation at the hands of her employers. What was once a promise of opportunity gradually became a nightmare, leaving her trapped in a foreign country and struggling to return home.
Her story reflects the growing concerns over the treatment of African domestic workers in the Middle East, where many have reported cases of abuse, withheld wages, and poor working conditions despite recruitment agencies’ assurances of safety and fair employment.
Rights groups have continued to call on African governments to strengthen bilateral agreements with Gulf states to protect migrant workers and ensure that their rights are upheld abroad.
As Njoki’s case continues to draw attention, advocates are urging the Kenyan government to intervene and assist citizens facing similar ordeals overseas.