Nairobi, Kenya, 1 October 2025 (ECA) – A landmark project to support Kenyan women returning from migrant domestic work is entering its final phase, aiming to transform their reintegration with new funding, training, and policy action.
The initiative, “International Migration in Africa,” is a joint effort by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), with support from the Italian government. It focuses on the economic empowerment of returnee women migrant domestic workers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
The need is underscored by a dramatic surge in migration. Over the past decade, the number of Kenyans migrating to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has more than tripled, from about 60,000 in 2014 to well over 200,000 today. Women have been at the forefront of this trend.
“Evidence shows 91% of the 74% of women migrating to the GCC work as domestic workers,” said Keiso Matashane-Marite, ECA’s Chief of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, at a Nairobi workshop. “Of utmost concern is the increase of Kenyan women migrating for domestic work in need of greener pastures and stronger regulation.”
While their remittances are vital, their contributions extend far beyond, driving entrepreneurship, skills transfer, and bolstering Kenya's care economy. However, the return home is often difficult.
“This program in Kenya highlights the lack of support for returnee women, leaving many facing economic hardships and limited access to essential services,” Matashane-Marite added. She also pointed to a critical regulatory gap, noting, “Alarmingly, many African nations haven't ratified ILO Convention 189 on Domestic Work, which is crucial for setting standards.”
The Nairobi workshop marks the culmination of Phase I, focusing on creating a sustainable support system. Key goals include:
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Establishing a Multi-Stakeholder Working Group.
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Developing a preliminary action plan and a seed fund.
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Formulating gender-responsive policy recommendations.
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Strengthening data and monitoring systems.
Government officials affirmed the importance of labour migration. “It is key to tackling unemployment and bolstering economic development,” said Mr. Festus Mutuse, Director of Labour at Kenya’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. “It creates employment opportunities, supports livelihoods, and drives socio-economic benefits for both origin and destination countries.”
The event brought together government ministries, civil society organizations, migration experts, and returnee women domestic workers themselves in a collaborative push to shape a more positive and secure future for Africa's migrant workforce.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
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Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org