Kenyans Abroad: The Pain of Remittances Lost to Family

Kenyans Abroad Face Heartbreak: Family Betrayal and Financial Exploitation Thousands of Kenyans work abroad, sending remittances home to support their families. However, a recent NTV Kenya report reveals a dark side to this reality: financial exploitation by family members. Two women's stories illustrate the devastating consequences of misplaced trust. Unis Wangoi, a Kenyan working as a househelp in Saudi Arabia, lost her hard-earned savings to her brother. "I worked so hard," she stated in a Daily Nation interview, "only to return home with nothing." Catherine Muregi had a similar experience, finding her savings squandered upon returning from Saudi Arabia. These stories highlight the vulnerability of those working abroad and the emotional toll of such betrayals. The report also touches on a case involving a real estate company that advertised dream homes to Kenyans in the diaspora. A woman invested her savings, only to find the company insolvent and the promised property nonexistent. This incident underscores the risks of making investments without proper due diligence. These experiences are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Kenyans working abroad. While remittances play a vital role in the Kenyan economy, the emotional and financial risks must be addressed. The stories serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for financial transparency and responsible investment practices.