The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said it has repatriated eight children under circumstances involving separation from their parents since the department was established in December 2022.
Speaking in an interview with NTV, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roselyn Njogu said Precious Wambui, was the eighth and latest child to be repatriated under such circumstances, with the government sending an officer to accompany each child during the journey home.
“The baby we repatriated this morning is the eighth child we have repatriated as a department under these circumstances. Of course, we have repatriated many others who travelled with their families, but in cases involving an unaccompanied minor, the government of Kenya sends an officer to accompany the child,” Roselyn stated.
Reunited After a Year
Precious Wambui has now been reunited with her mother, Peninah Wambui, after spending a year in Saudi Arabia following her mother’s return to Kenya.
Peninah returned to the country in March without her daughter after she was deported from Saudi Arabia.
Despite the separation, the two maintained contact through phone conversations.
Speaking after the reunion, Peninah said she was relieved to finally have her daughter back, describing the period of separation as difficult.
“I am so happy I got my child. It was not easy. I have been sick because of this, but now I will be okay,” she said.
Peninah added that the separation had taken a toll on her emotional and physical well-being.
“You know when you give birth to a child, you do not forget. I have been depressed and I fell sick. It made me sick.”she said.
Diplomatic Intervention Needed to Bring Precious Home
The repatriation of Precious back to Kenya involved diplomatic intervention, DNA testing as well as the necessary documentation and clearance to leave Saudi Arabia.
Njogu said the intervention of Saudi authorities was crucial in facilitating the child’s return.
“And we are very grateful for their support because then they were able to give clearance for the child to travel.” The PS said.
Precious Was in Foster Care Before Repatriation
According to Njogu, Precious was in distress while separated from her mother and had been staying in a foster arrangement with a Good Samaritan.
The State Department for Children Services has since said it will continue monitoring the family following the reunion.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o said the government was pleased to have successfully brought the child home, while emphasising the need for children to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
“And today, we have successfully brought back the baby home and we are so excited. Even as the baby goes back with her parents, one thing that we emphasize is that a child should live in a safe and nurturing environment and so the State Department of Children Services will continue to monitor the family closely.” Carren said.
Government Urges Kenyans Abroad to Obey Local Laws
Following the case, Kenyans seeking employment in Saudi Arabia and other countries have been urged to comply with the laws of the countries where they live and work.
Njogu said observing local laws can help Kenyans avoid circumstances that could result in conflict with authorities and, in some cases, separation from their children.
“Obey the laws of the land where they are, because only then can you stay not just in status but you do not get in conflict with the law.” She urged.
At the same time, Carren said the government would support Kenyans living abroad in registering their children and facilitate the repatriation of children back home where necessary.
“In case you have any child and you are out of the country, State Department of Diaspora will be supportive to ensure all the children are registered even as we facilitate repatriation of children back home.” She affirmed.
Case Part of a Wider Challenge
According to the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the repatriation of Precious is not an isolated case.
This case highlights the difficulties that can arise when Kenyan parents working abroad become separated from their children, and the diplomatic and child-protection measures that may subsequently be required to reunite families.
