Kenyans giving birth to children abroad will now be required to present themselves and their children for mandatory DNA tests upon their return to Kenya.
The directive has been passed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who spoke before a Senate Plenary on Wednesday, March 5th. The measure seeks to combat the growing incidences of child trafficking in Kenya.
Mutua explained individuals would be subject to mandatory DNA tests at the International Arrivals at JKIA to verify the child’s biological mother.
“We’ve got several Kenyans in some countries who have given birth. We are trying to get them back home with their children. Once they’re here, we’ll do a DNA test to match the child to the mother to avoid child trafficking,” the labour CS clarified.
DNA tests are necessary on occasion when there is a dispute or uncertainty regarding parentage. In the context of government, it will assist in helping it maintain accurate records of its citizens and address concerns about a child’s welfare.
The CS added the government had created ways for Kenyans working abroad to report any problems they face. This includes toll-free phone numbers listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labour websites, which they can use to get help when in trouble.
Alfred Mutua warned Kenyans against travelling abroad only to cause problems with foreign authorities. He pointed out that this was a common issue, especially among outspoken young Kenyans.
“We are forming a system with attitude training to teach our young people, who have grown up in an activist system. So that we train them to leave their activism at home, they go there and follow the system,” he announced.
Mutua’s comments referring to some Kenyans as activists stirred backlash from the Senate Plenary. Kitui Senator Enock Wambua criticized the CS, terming his remarks an unfair profiling of Kenyan workers.
“When the CS was told to respond to the questions, he profiled Kenyans as big-headed activists and people who take demonstrations abroad. Is that the appreciation of the ministry of the calibre of Kenyans that we send for jobs abroad,” the senator quipped.
