The government convened a high-level public forum to discuss the ratification of two 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 in a move aimed at transforming workers’ rights.
The forum drew representatives from workers’ and employers’ organisations, domestic workers, civil society, and development partners.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Mwangolo Mwadime, this raises the stakes for the country
“Our commitment to international labour standards is not just about compliance; it is about safeguarding dignity, promoting fairness, and ensuring that every worker, formal or informal, can work without fear,” he said, underlining the government’s intent to strengthen protections across all sectors.
Also speaking at forum Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo expounded the significance of the conventions.
“Your presence here today demonstrates our shared commitment to promoting dignity, safety, and fairness for all workers, regardless of where or how they work,” she said.
She described the forum as an important paltform for open dialogue, public participation, and collective reflection on how these conventions can strengthen the country’s labour governance framework and improve the lives of workers across the country.”
CONVENTION 190
Convention 190 is the first global treaty that recognizes everyone’s right to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Kenya has hundreds of thousands of domestic workers, most of them women and many of whom work without written contracts are underpaid or unpaid, face verbal, physical or sexual abuse and also being excluded from social protection.
Convention No. 190 addresses the persistent issue of violence and harassment in workplaces, which affects both formal and informal sectors.
“Violence and harassment in the world of work remain a serious concern, affecting workers in both formal and informal settings. Such acts violate fundamental human rights, undermine decent work, and have far-reaching social and economic consequences,” Apiyo noted.
She said that the convention outlines preventive, protective, and remedial measures anchored in social dialogue, emphasising the need for a systematic approach.
CONVENTION 189
Convention 189 recognizes domestic work as real work and calls for equal labour rights for domestic workers. It recognizes domestic workers dignity and right while pushing the government to not only improve laws but also ensure they are enforced. It also helps workers to demand for written contracts, minimum wages, rest days and protection from abuse
Convention No. 189 targets protections for domestic workers, a group historically exposed to exploitation in isolated environments. “Domestic workers, many of whom are women and young people often work in unregulated settings, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, violence, and harassment,” Apiyo said.
She said ratifying this convention would be a significant step towards ensuring decent work, fair treatment, and social protection for domestic workers.”
PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Mwadime stressed that public consultation is central to effective labour policy.
“This forum is critical for assessing national readiness, identifying gaps, and building consensus on the way forward,” he said.
“The views and recommendations arising from these discussions will play a critical role in guiding government decision-making and shaping legislative, policy, and institutional measures required for effective implementation.”
Experts say ratification goes beyond symbolism. Aligning domestic laws with ILO standards will require creating monitoring and reporting mechanisms, setting up accessible complaint procedures, and addressing systemic challenges such as gender-based violence and exploitation of vulnerable workers.
