Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua yesterday announced a new unit to address issues of sexual harassment at the workplace.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi during the annual symposium of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Mutua emphasised that the unit, to be domiciled at his ministry, will provide a platform for victims of sexual harassment who feel their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The symposium, which focused on the theme “The Role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Fostering the Right to a World of Work Free from Violence and Harassment, Including Gender-Based Violence and Harassment,” provided an apt setting for the announcement. Mutua underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and fair workplaces, stating that this unit would play a crucial role in supporting victims and enforcing justice.

Mutua also pledged to push for the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190, which focuses on the protection of workers against violence and harassment.

Working environments

He stressed that his ministry is dedicated to establishing systems that promote fairness for both employees and employers. “It’s important that employers provide safe working environments, but conversely, workers must also ensure they are productive,” he noted. “Employees are not slaves to be treated inhumanely, and in the same breath, employers are not aid missionaries.”

The minister called for fairness and prudence in the decisions rendered by the labour court, highlighting the significant impact of these rulings on economic growth and investor confidence. He urged the court to maintain impartiality in all its judgments, advocating for respect in the workplace irrespective of gender, disability, or position.