(Njogu wa Njeri is a columnist and a trained journalist)
In what seems like irony and a tragic turn of events, a significant number of Kenyans who look for greener pastures abroad end up living in very harsh conditions.
They endlessly endure mistreatment from their employers while others return to the country in a casket.
Destitute Kenyans appeal for help from all corners of the globe especially in the Middle East from where dozens of Kenyan citizens have lost their lives in the hands of cruel employers.
However, this is not unique to only those working in Arab countries.
Perhaps to demythologize the misconception that working in the U.S is a walk in the park, the truth of the matter is that there are numerous challenges as well and jobs are not offered on a silver platter.
Several cases of Kenyans working in the U.S under deplorable conditions have seen the light of day, pleading for help to return back to the country.
Recently, the story of a Kenyan legend athlete Henry Rono who has been living in the U.S for the last 32 years hit the headlines after it emerged that he has been subjected to very harsh living conditions despite being among the best athletes the world has to offer.
In 1978, he made Kenya proud after emerging as the world’s best athlete and winning numerous trophies for the country.
Nevertheless, the legend has now been reduced into a mere security guard to earn a living.
His ordeal is similar to that of hundreds of other Kenyans living and working abroad, under dreadful conditions but their pleas for help have not seen the light of day.
The government is partly to blame for this state of affairs since Kenyans living in other countries are entitled to humane treatment and protection through the government.
It is therefore imperative that the government expedites its plans to safeguard the lives of its expatriates and create more avenues for them to air their concerns.
Similarly, those seeking for greener pastures outside the country should be cognizant of the risks and exercise utmost caution when looking for such opportunities.
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