Isabella Juma, a mother of two, said she left Kenya hoping to improve the lives of her children but instead faced hardship, exploitation and eventual arrest while working overseas.
Struggles growing up in Kibera
Isabella grew up in Kibera and managed to complete both primary and secondary school despite the challenges of poverty.
However, her life took a different path when she became pregnant shortly after joining college. The unexpected responsibility forced her to drop out before completing her studies.
Later, she had a second child and struggled to provide for them. Although she once had a stable job, personal conflicts with the father of her children made it difficult for her to continue working.
With limited opportunities in Kenya, Isabella began looking for work abroad, hoping to secure better pay to support her family.
Journey to Saudi Arabia
Her first attempt to travel abroad raised concerns when she visited a recruitment centre in Utawala and found applicants living in poor and overcrowded conditions.
She initially abandoned the process but later connected with another recruitment agent who appeared more organised.
She applied for a passport and underwent a one-month training programme for domestic workers before receiving a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia.
At first, the experience seemed positive. Isabella said her employers were kind, and she completed her initial contract peacefully.
However, after extending the contract to repay loans back in Kenya, the situation changed and her salary was reduced.
Escaping and losing stability
Feeling trapped, Isabella decided to leave the job secretly.
One night she waited until her employers were asleep and quietly escaped. The following day she found another job, but communication was difficult because her employer spoke only Arabic.
She moved between several short-term jobs before eventually running out of work and money.
Arrest and prison experience
While sharing a crowded room with other migrant workers, authorities raided the residence at night.
Men claiming to be investigators took them to several police stations before eventually transferring them to prison.
Upon arrival, Isabella said their belongings—including money and phones—were confiscated. The women were searched, given prison uniforms and detained.
She described the experience as frightening and humiliating.
“I tried questioning why we had been arrested, but no one answered,” she recalled.
According to Isabella, some detainees were subjected to physical mistreatment during the time they spent in custody.
Regrets and reflection
After months of uncertainty, Isabella eventually regained her freedom.
Looking back at the experience, she says leaving Kenya was one of the biggest regrets of her life and warns others to be cautious when seeking jobs abroad.
At first, the experience seemed positive. Isabella said her employers were kind, and she completed her initial contract peacefully.
However, after extending the contract to repay loans back in Kenya, the situation changed and her salary was reduced.
Escaping and losing stability
Feeling trapped, Isabella decided to leave the job secretly.
One night she waited until her employers were asleep and quietly escaped. The following day she found another job, but communication was difficult because her employer spoke only Arabic.
She moved between several short-term jobs before eventually running out of work and money.
Arrest and prison experience
While sharing a crowded room with other migrant workers, authorities raided the residence at night.
Men claiming to be investigators took them to several police stations before eventually transferring them to prison.
Upon arrival, Isabella said their belongings—including money and phones—were confiscated. The women were searched, given prison uniforms and detained.
She described the experience as frightening and humiliating.
“I tried questioning why we had been arrested, but no one answered,” she recalled.
According to Isabella, some detainees were subjected to physical mistreatment during the time they spent in custody.
Regrets and reflection
After months of uncertainty, Isabella eventually regained her freedom.
Looking back at the experience, she says leaving Kenya was one of the biggest regrets of her life and warns others to be cautious when seeking jobs abroad.
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