A Kenyan child who had been separated from her mother in Saudi Arabia has been brought back home and reunited with her family following an intervention by Kenyan authorities.
Baby Precious Wambui was repatriated through a joint effort involving the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Saudi authorities and the State Department for Children Services.
Officials said the child's mother, Penina, had been living and working in Saudi Arabia when the two were separated.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said the case required sustained engagement between Kenyan and Saudi authorities before the child could be cleared to return home.
“It is not every day that we get good news, but today we are particularly excited to be bringing back Baby Precious and reuniting her with her mother and her family,” an official from the State Department for Diaspora Affairs said.
The government said Precious is the eighth child to be evacuated and repatriated to Kenya through the department since it began operations about three and a half years ago.
Officials said the case demonstrated the government's commitment to assisting Kenyans abroad, particularly children and other vulnerable people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.
“This really shows that the Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, cares for every person in the diaspora,” the official said. “We will do everything in our power to protect the most vulnerable, especially children, and reunite them with their families.”
The State Department for Children Services was involved in preparations for Precious' return, including assessing whether the family was ready and able to receive and care for her.
Officials said the assessment included looking into the family's circumstances and ensuring an appropriate environment was available for the child upon her arrival.
“I am really excited to come and receive Baby Precious as we hand her over to her parents, Penina and her husband,” a Children Services official said.
The department praised the coordination between agencies, saying the successful repatriation showed the importance of cooperation when handling cases involving Kenyan children abroad.
“The State Department for Children Services has been responsible for assessing the family's readiness to receive the child, checking their background and whether they are in a position to take care of Baby Precious,” the official said.
The government also urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to familiarize themselves with and comply with the laws of their host countries.
Officials said some cases involving children can become complicated when parents encounter legal, immigration or other difficulties while living overseas.
“As Kenyans go out to look for jobs, we would also want them to observe the laws in those countries,” the Children Services official said.
The government said it would continue working through its diplomatic missions and relevant agencies to assist vulnerable Kenyans abroad and facilitate family reunification where necessary.
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