Kenyans Returning with Children Required to Undergo DNA Testing

The Kenyan government has announced a mandatory DNA testing policy for mothers returning with children from abroad to combat child trafficking. This initiative aims to verify familial relationships and ensure safety. Concerns about the behavior of Kenyans working overseas raised controversy during the announcement, highlighting the need for government action on safety issues for expatriates.

The Kenyan government has instituted a policy mandating DNA tests for mothers arriving in Kenya with children from abroad. This decision was announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua during his Senate address, which aims to tackle the increasing concern of child trafficking and to ensure the safety of children entering the country.

According to Mutua, DNA testing will occur at all points of entry, aiming to verify the biological relationship between mothers and their children. This initiative is a response to growing apprehensions regarding Kenyan women giving birth abroad, with some potentially involved in trafficking schemes. “We are trying to get them back home with their children. Once they are here, we will do a DNA test to match the child to the mother to avoid child trafficking,” stated Mutua.

The government plans to assist in the repatriation of these women and children. The Ministry of Labour has committed to providing the necessary support for the families returning to Kenya. Additionally, the Cambridge is taking steps to ensure a smooth repatriation process for citizens returning after working abroad, including implementing specific reporting tools for distressed Kenyans.

To bolster the support system for citizens abroad, new labor attachments are to be deployed to several countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Switzerland, the UAE, and Germany, within the next few months. The initiative is expected to cost approximately Ksh 300 million.

Nevertheless, Mutua’s comments regarding the behavior of Kenyans abroad have drawn criticism. He advised against activism overseas, implying it could lead to legal complications. This perspective faced backlash, notably from senators like Kitui’s Enock Wambua, who argued against the unfair characterization of Kenyan workers as activists.

Additionally, Mutua’s claims referencing Kenyan fatalities abroad have been questioned, particularly following reports of deceased workers in countries like Saudi Arabia. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi criticized Mutua for allegedly misleading the Senate, emphasizing the necessity for the government to take significant action regarding the safety of Kenyan workers abroad.

In summary, the Kenyan government has introduced a policy requiring DNA testing for mothers returning with children from abroad to protect against child trafficking. While emphasizing support for repatriating families and improving assistance for Kenyans working abroad, the Labour CS’s remarks on activism and issues of safety have sparked controversy among lawmakers. The government is urged to address these concerns diligently to uphold the well-being of its citizens.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke