Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Njogu has denied claims that Kenyan mothers are unable to leave Saudi Arabia due to unprocessed DNA test results. The clarification comes after Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa raised concerns about mothers allegedly stranded abroad for years.
Senator Thang’wa shared a post about a Kenyan woman from Vihiga County and her eight-year-old daughter reportedly stuck in Riyadh after waiting nearly three years for DNA test results. According to the senator, the woman was among several Kenyans unable to secure clearance to return home, as the embassy had allegedly collected DNA samples years ago but failed to provide updates.
“By practice, every Kenyan woman who gives birth out of wedlock must undergo a DNA test before being cleared to return home with her child,” Senator Thang’wa said. “Three years later, no results, no updates, and no answers.”
However, PS Njogu clarified in a statement on Thursday, November 13, that DNA results are not mandatory for issuing birth certificates to children born to Kenyan mothers abroad. She confirmed that all birth certificate applications from the 2023 DNA project have already been processed.
“Senator: This is inaccurate. DNA samples are not required for birth certificates to be issued—they can only be relied upon when parents cannot produce birth certificates,” the PS said. “From the 2023 DNA project, all birth certificate applications have been issued. In fact, 73 children and over 50 mothers have already been repatriated to Kenya. Let me have the details of this case, and our team can assist.”
Senator Thang’wa, however, vowed to raise the matter in the Senate, pushing for accountability and faster repatriation of Kenyan mothers and children still in Saudi Arabia.
“How many more mothers must wait? How many children must grow up stateless, homeless, and forgotten while offices trade silence and bureaucracy? It’s time we all turn our eyes to the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh and demand accountability,” he said.
This exchange highlights ongoing concerns about bureaucratic delays affecting Kenyans abroad, even as officials assert that processes from previous projects have been completed.
