The Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh has firmly dismissed social media allegations regarding the mistreatment of Kenyan nationals at the Saudi Manpower Solutions Company (SMASCO) accommodation center, labeling the claims as baseless.
In a statement released on the evening of February 14, 2026, the Embassy reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the welfare of all Kenyans residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Riyadh acknowledges the circulation of a video online that purports to show neglect and misconduct in the treatment of Kenyans at the SMASCO accommodation center. We wish to clarify that these allegations lack foundation,” the statement emphasized.
The Embassy clarified that SMASCO operates as a fully licensed recruitment and support services provider, functioning under the oversight of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia. The company adheres to national labor laws while delivering regulated domestic worker services.
To ensure worker welfare and compliance with standards, the Embassy conducts structured supervision of SMASCO through scheduled weekly inspections and additional visits as urgent concerns arise.
From July 2025 to January 2026, the Embassy successfully facilitated the repatriation of over 2,590 Kenyan nationals from SMASCO facilities and other deportation centers, prioritizing cases involving illness, vulnerability, and humanitarian emergencies for immediate action.
In response to the viral social media post, the Embassy affirmed its commitment to assess the circulating claims during its routine monitoring visits to SMASCO, further enhancing transparency and worker protection.
“The Embassy will verify the allegations raised in the circulating post during our routine visits to SMASCO,” the statement indicated.
The Embassy emphasized that the welfare of Kenyan nationals remains paramount and encouraged the public to seek information from verified official sources rather than relying on unconfirmed online narratives.
“The Embassy reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare of all Kenyans in the Kingdom and urges the public to depend on verified information from official channels.”
Previously, domestic workers experiencing abuse, unpaid wages, overwork, or any form of mistreatment were urged to report their concerns to the Embassy without delay.
In a related development, Kenyans employed in Saudi Arabia are poised to receive a pay increase following the government’s announcement of a new minimum wage for all employees.
In a Facebook post on November 16, 2025, the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh shared this update, encouraging workers to confirm the implementation of the new minimum salaries with their respective employers.
“The Embassy wishes to inform all Kenyan workers that, effective February 2026, the Government of Saudi Arabia will implement a minimum salary of SAR 1,000 per month for all workers. This initiative aligns with ongoing labor reforms following changes to the Kafala system,” the statement detailed.
Starting in 2026, each worker in Saudi Arabia will earn a minimum of approximately Ksh34,455 per month.
This announcement comes amid criticism directed at the government for allegedly failing to provide diplomatic assistance to stranded mothers in the Kingdom.
The new salary structure is set to take effect in February 2026, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s labor reform efforts following adjustments to the Kafala system.
The Embassy further advised workers to promptly raise any issues to ensure compliance while safeguarding their rights under the revised labor regulations.
