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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
WHILE there is no dearth of domestic workers in Qatar who have complaints against their employers, there is one Kenyan domestic worker who feels privileged to have worked with her Arab employer for two years.
The Kenyan Embassy organised an honouring ceremony for the Kenyan nanny Elizabeth Njoki Kamocu, who would be leaving for Kenya soon after the end of her service. The ambassador also presented a cash reward to her for her good service.
Kamocu took care of her employer Mariam al Rashdi's 17-year-old, mentally challenged son Karim for the last two years. Karim has challenges with language, communication, self-help skills and awareness of danger.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar HE Galma Mukhe Boru said that such stories of benevolent employers who come out to appreciate their domestic workers are rare.
"We appreciate your kindness to recognise and reward the good work of your employee," the ambassador told Rashdi.
The ambassador told Kamocu,"On behalf of the Kenyan community in Qatar, I would like to sincerely thank you for meeting the needs of your employer and giving inspirational support to a special needs child while respecting his rights." He added,"The people of Kenya will be proud of you. Kenyan people are known for their friendly, kind and humane nature. You have demonstrated the true spirit of the Kenyan people."
Kamocu said that she tried her best to take care of the child and make him feel comfortable. She added that the child has difficulties in sleeping and requires a lot of attention. She urged domestic workers to do the job wholeheartedly.
For her part, Rashdi said that she paid Kamocu double the salary that was agreed upon with the agency."I also provided her with the necessary training and information about my son's disability. I told her that I would support her and she did the job wholeheartedly."
Rashdi said that her son has become very attached to Kamocu and it will be difficult to make him forget her.
