The Kenyan government now requires mothers returning from abroad with children to undergo mandatory DNA tests to combat child trafficking. Announced by CS Alfred Mutua, this policy aims to verify biological relationships and ensure child safety. The government is also enhancing support for Kenyans facing issues abroad, while also facing criticism regarding the portrayal of these citizens.
The Kenyan government has mandated DNA testing for mothers returning with children from abroad. This policy, announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, aims to tackle child trafficking and ensure the well-being of children entering the country. The tests will confirm the biological relationship between the mother and child upon arrival at Kenyan entry points.
This initiative addresses concerns about the increasing number of Kenyan women giving birth abroad, some of whom may be implicated in child trafficking. Mutua stated, “We have got quite a number of Kenyans in some countries who have given birth. 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 and avoid child trafficking.”
The government is also working on repatriating these women and children, with the Ministry of Labour pledging support for their return. Mutua emphasized the importance of a smooth repatriation process, saying, “We are trying to get them back home with their children.”
In addition to DNA testing, Mutua highlighted measures to assist Kenyans abroad. The government has set up emergency phone lines for citizens facing distress, accessible via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour websites. He urged, “If you have any distress, you call this number.”
Moreover, plans are underway to strengthen support for Kenyan workers overseas, with the introduction of new labor attachments to key countries such as Saudi Arabia and Germany, costing approximately Ksh 300 million.
However, the implementation of these policies has stirred controversy, particularly regarding comments on the behavior of Kenyans abroad. Mutua recommended against activism while overseas, citing potential legal repercussions. He stated, “We are forming a system with attitude training to teach our young people… to leave their activism at home.”
These remarks drew criticism from some senators, notably Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, who questioned the generalization of Kenyan workers as activists. He asked, “Is that the appreciation of the ministry of the calibre of Kenyans that we send for jobs abroad?”
Senator Godfrey Osotsi also challenged Mutua’s claims regarding Kenyan fatalities abroad, disputing his assertion that no Kenyan deaths have occurred while working overseas despite evidence to the contrary.
The Kenyan government’s introduction of mandatory DNA tests for returning mothers aims to combat child trafficking and ensure the safety of repatriated children. While the initiative has drawn attention to the need for better support mechanisms for Kenyans abroad, it has also sparked controversy regarding the portrayal of Kenyan workers and the handling of safety concerns. The overall goal remains to enhance the welfare of citizens both at home and overseas.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
