Domestic workers and labour rights stakeholders at the Coast have endorsed the ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions C189 and C190, saying the move would strengthen protections against abuse, exploitation and gender-based violence in the workplace.

The stakeholders said ratifying the two conventions would guarantee safer working environments, respect for human rights and fair remuneration for domestic workers, many of whom remain vulnerable to mistreatment both locally and abroad.

Speaking in Mombasa during a public participation forum on the proposed ratification, Labour Commissioner Hellen Opiyo said the two conventions are critical because they address the rights of domestic workers alongside those of all other categories of workers.

“Ratification of ILO conventions C189 and C190 is key in ensuring all workers, including domestic workers, have their rights respected,” Opiyo said.

Domestic workers present at the forum, led by Lucy Achinge, welcomed the move, noting that it would help tackle discrimination, low wages, physical harassment and gender-based violence, which they described as the most persistent challenges facing domestic workers in Kenya and those employed overseas.

Anthony Irungu, a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) advisor at Oxfam Kenya, said the ongoing public participation forums across the country are meant to ensure inclusivity and allow workers and other stakeholders to contribute to the ratification process.

“Every worker has a right to work in a safe environment free from violence, have representation, benefit from the minimum wage end ensure there is equal distribution of duties,” Irungu said.

Mombasa Young Mothers’ Organisation, through its executive director Emily Mitoh, called on the government to crack down on illegal domestic worker recruitment agents, whom she accused of undermining workers’ rights.

“We are aware that some domestic workers agents are now recruiting workers from neighbouring countries and avoiding Kenyans workers; it is the work of the government to crack down on all illegal agents. What we are championing is respect for the rights of workers,” Mitoh said.

She also urged increased empowerment of domestic workers to help them understand and defend their rights.

Since 2011, when the ILO conventions came into force, civil society organisations and domestic worker unions have pushed for their ratification without success. However, stakeholders at the Coast said they are optimistic that renewed engagement by the national government and broader stakeholder collaboration could finally see the conventions adopted, improving safety and dignity for domestic workers.