An Exploration of the Impacts and Experiences of Kenyan Women Migrating Economically to the Gulf Countries on the Family Structure.

This study sought to explore the experiences and impacts of Kenyan women migration economically to the Gulf countries on the family structures. Specifically, it examined the motivations for migration, the four migration trends: feminization, diversification of migrations, commercialization of migrations and illegal migration. The exploration delved deeper on how the various components of the households, relatives, spouses, and children, were impacted pre-departure, during migration abroad, and reintegration period after the migration journey. The study used mixed method approach and semi-structures interviews to explore, frame, and analyse the subject. Data was collected from ten respondents using face-to-face and online interviews. The study data was analysed using thematic analysis, where multiple themes and subthemes emerged, including remittances, empowerment, exploitation, recruitment agents, and shattered dreams. The study determined that migration of Kenyan women to the Gulf was guided by different drivers, including poverty, urge to accumulate capital, and search for better opportunities. While analysing the findings, both positive and negative impacts emerged. This revelation is crucial because it dispels the bias that international migration impacts the family only in a positive way. The study recommends that the government creates proper migration guidelines to reduce illegal migrations. Also, the government should create a proper re-integration strategy for the returnees after their migration journeys. Secondly, I recommend that the financial institutions should explore and create products that favour female migrants to save them from high costs of transactions when sending money back to Kenya. Lastly, I advocate for proper policies that would protect women from exploitation and abuse to help women build up their empires and broaden their investments. The study overcame limitations such as financial constraints, time limits and communication issues to produce a document that could contribute more knowledge on the impacts of family structure when the female members leave in search of better prospects.