Why domestic workers run to the Gulf despite reports of abuse

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli speaking during the Kenya Union Domestic, Hotels Educational Institutions and hospital workers (KUDHEIHA) workshop at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

When Mirriam Gichure resolved to join the thousands of Kenyans moving to the Middle East in 2017 for greener pastures, she hoped for a financial breakthrough.

After all a job offering abroad is irresistible. Like those who dared venture abroad, Ms Gichure followed suit, leaving behind her two children, parents and sister’s children.