By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 20 December 2025 - Kenya successfully held a high-level public forum to deliberate the proposed ratification of two landmark International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
The two are 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 of workers’ and employers’ organisations, domestic workers, civil society partners, and development agencies.
In her opening remarks, the Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo underscored the significance of the gathering.
“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, highlighting the inclusive and consultative nature of the forum.
Convention No. 190, she noted, is a historic instrument aimed at eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
The Convention emphasises preventive, protective, and remedial measures, with social dialogue at its core, to ensure that every worker can operate in a safe and respectful environment.
Equally, Convention No. 189 recognises domestic work as formal work and domestic workers as entitled to the same rights, protections, and respect as other workers.
The Labour Commissioner highlighted the particular vulnerabilities of this group, noting that “Domestic workers—many of whom are women and young persons—often work in isolated and unregulated environments, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, violence, and harassment. Ratifying this Convention would be a significant step towards addressing these vulnerabilities and ensuring decent work, fair treatment, and social protection.”
The forum is seen as a timely opportunity to engage in open dialogue, assess national readiness, and identify gaps in the country’s labour governance framework.
According to the Labour Commissioner, “This public forum allows us to listen to diverse voices, assess national readiness, identify gaps, and build consensus on the way forward. The views and recommendations arising from these discussions will play a critical role in guiding government’s decision-making and shaping the legislative, policy, and institutional measures required for effective implementation.”
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Observers note that ratification of the conventions would require aligning domestic laws with international standards, including establishing mechanisms for monitoring, reporting, and enforcing workplace protections.
The conventions also aim to tackle systemic issues such as gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable workers, promoting social justice and equity in employment.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to these goals.
“Ratification of these Conventions would reinforce our national values and our resolve to create workplaces—and homes where work is performed—that are safe, respectful, and free from violence, harassment, and exploitation,” she said.
She also urged participants to focus not only on ratification but on practical implementation.
“I encourage all participants to engage openly and constructively, with a focus not only on ratification, but also on practical and sustainable implementation,” she added.
As discussions continue, stakeholders expect the forum to inform national policy, legislative reforms, and institutional measures that will safeguard workers and improve working conditions across sectors.
Analysts view the event as a pivotal step in harmonising domestic labour laws with international standards and in ensuring that no worker is left behind in the pursuit of safe and decent work.
The forum’s outcomes are anticipated to guide the Government’s next steps, reinforcing a national commitment to dignity, safety, and fairness for all workers.
