Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has revealed government plans to launch nationwide roadshows to raise awareness of overseas job opportunities.
Mutua made this revelation at a meeting with the International Labour Organisation on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
CS Mutua posited that the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is also working on ratifying key international conventions related to decent work, child trafficking, child labour, and labour migration.
To convince the International Labour Organization, CS Mutua emphasised the country’s determination to uphold the accepted global working standards.
“After a meeting with the International Labour Organization delegation, led by country director Caroline Mugalla Khamati, I emphasised our commitment to upholding global labour standards.
“We plan to launch nationwide roadshows to raise awareness about overseas job opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and we’re working with recruitment agencies to ensure fair practices,” Mutua stated.
ILO’s pledge
The International Labour Organisation on its side, pledged to support Kenya in providing decent work environments abroad.
The ILO Country Director told Mutua that the organisation is open to extending the support to expectant mothers working in foreign countries.
“Additionally, we’re focused on educating Kenyan workers about their rights, with the ILO’s continued support in strengthening the National Labour Board. This collaboration will empower and protect our workers, especially in vulnerable sectors,” Mutua’s statement added.
Director Mugalla also highlighted that the ILO is supporting Kenya in creating a maternity benefits policy for women in the informal sector, strengthening the Labour Relations Court, and establishing the Kenya Migrant Workers Welfare Fund to protect the rights of Kenyan workers… pic.twitter.com/8ghme9snRj
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) September 10, 2024
Cases of mistreatment
Cases of mistreatment have always been highlighted through different channels. Kenyans working in the Middle East feel much pain from the ill treatment.
This has left most families devastated, begging for government support to bring back their kin.
However, with the government promoting labour exportation, it is moving to address thorny issues that discourage Kenyans from filling the job opportunities in those foreign countries.
