Kenya Pushes Landmark Labour Reforms to End Workplace Violence and Protect Domestic Workers

Saturday, December 20, 2025 – In a decisive step towards improving workers’ rights, the Kenyan government has convened a high-level public forum to discuss ratifying two key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions: Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

The forum brought together representatives from workers’ unions, employers’ organisations, domestic workers, civil society groups, and development partners. 

Officials described the gathering as a “defining moment for labour governance”, signalling the government’s commitment to tackling workplace violence and improving conditions for some of the country’s most vulnerable workers.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Mwangolo Mwadime, emphasised that adherence to international labour standards is about more than compliance. 

“Our commitment is about safeguarding dignity, promoting fairness, and ensuring that every worker, formal or informal, can work without fear,” he said, highlighting the government’s ambition to strengthen protections across all sectors.

Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo explained the significance of the conventions, noting that public participation is central to shaping practical and enforceable labour policies. 

“Your presence today demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting dignity, safety, and fairness for all workers, regardless of where or how they work,” she said. 

Apiyo described the forum as a space for open dialogue and reflection on how the conventions can guide Kenya’s labour governance framework.

Convention No. 190 addresses violence and harassment in workplaces, a challenge affecting both formal and informal sectors. 

Apiyo warned that such violations undermine human rights, compromise decent work, and have wide-reaching social and economic impacts.

The convention, she explained, outlines preventive, protective, and remedial measures anchored in social dialogue, providing a systematic approach to addressing workplace misconduct.

Meanwhile, Convention No. 189 focuses on protecting domestic workers, a group often exposed to exploitation due to isolated working conditions. 

“Domestic workers—many of whom are women and young persons—frequently work in unregulated settings, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, violence, and harassment,” Apiyo said.

She added that ratification would mark a significant step in ensuring fair treatment, social protection, and decent work conditions for this workforce.

Mwadime stressed that the public consultation process is crucial for assessing national readiness, identifying gaps, and building consensus on the reforms. 

“The recommendations from these discussions will guide government decisions and shape legislative, policy, and institutional measures needed for effective implementation,” he said.

Experts note that ratification is just the beginning. Implementing the conventions will require aligning domestic laws with ILO standards, creating monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and establishing accessible complaint procedures. 

Structural issues, such as gender-based violence and exploitation of vulnerable workers, will also need targeted attention.

Both Mwadime and Apiyo highlighted that the reforms signal a firm commitment to workplaces—and homes—free from violence, harassment, and exploitation. Industrial analyst Ken Oyugi described the forum as a milestone in aligning Kenya’s labour governance with global standards. 

“This is a critical step to ensure no worker is left behind and to reaffirm the country’s commitment to dignity, safety, and fairness in all workplaces,” he said.