The Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, has condemned the death of Ms Zeituni Kavayo, a domestic worker in Kilimani, Nairobi, describing it as tragic and unacceptable.

In a press release dated September 25, 2025, Mutua expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident, which is reported to have resulted from harassment and abuse by her employer.

He extended heartfelt condolences to Ms Kavayo’s family, friends and colleagues, calling the death a painful reflection of discrimination, exploitation and rights violations against low-ranking workers.

“The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has received with deep shock and sadness the tragic news of the sudden death of Kavayo, a domestic worker in Nairobi, reportedly as a result of harassment and abuse by her employer, while carrying out duties in Kilimani, Nairobi. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Zeituni.”

The Ministry said it had received news of the sudden death with profound concern and reaffirmed its commitment to ensure justice and enhance protections for domestic workers. Mutua stressed that such treatment deprives workers of their dignity and violates the law, urging an immediate end to such practices.

Investigations and justice pledge

According to the statement, investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ms Kavayo’s death are underway.

The Ministry is working with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to ensure thorough enquiries and deliver swift justice to those found responsible. Mutua reiterated that the safety and rights of domestic workers remain a priority for the government, in line with Kenya’s commitment to the Decent Work for All initiative.

“The Ministry strongly condemns all forms of harassment and violence in workplaces and wants to affirm that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ms Zeituni’s death are underway to ensure that those culpable of the heinous act are brought to justice. The Ministry is working closely with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out and that justice is served without delay.”

The press release also reminded employers of their legal and moral obligations to treat all workers fairly and with respect. The ministry said domestic workers must have access to the same protections as other employees, including recourse to justice in cases of abuse.

Protections for domestic workers

To bolster safeguards for domestic workers, the government is finalising instruments for the ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions No. 189 and 190. These conventions set international standards for decent working conditions and protection against violence and harassment in the workplace.

“To strengthen mechanisms for the protection of all domestic workers in Kenya, the government is at an advanced stage of finalising instruments for ratification of ILO Conventions No. 189 and 190. The tragic loss of Ms Zeituni must not be in vain. It calls on all of us – the government, employers, workers and society at large – to renew our commitment to building workplaces free from abuse, harassment and violence.”

Mutua said Kavayo’s loss should serve as a turning point in protecting vulnerable workers. He called on the government, employers, workers and society to renew their commitment to creating workplaces free from abuse, harassment and violence, pledging that the ministry will intensify awareness and enforcement of labour laws to prevent similar tragedies.

“Once more, I wish to assure Kenyans, and particularly domestic workers, that their safety and rights remain a priority. In line with Kenya’s commitment to Decent Work for All, the Ministry will intensify awareness and enforcement of laws to protect domestic workers. All employers, including those who employ domestic workers, are reminded of their legal and moral duty to treat all workers with fairness and respect. Domestic workers must be afforded the same protections as all other workers, including recourse to justice in cases of abuse.”