Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to creating decent and inclusive jobs as a cornerstone of national development, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and green growth.
Speaking at the ongoing International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference in Geneva, Labour Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime stated that the government is dedicated to a comprehensive approach to stimulating employment across various sectors.
“The government has taken deliberate steps to stimulate employment through infrastructure investment, MSME incentives, and wider access to credit through the Hustler Fund,” explained Mwadime.
A significant achievement is the Affordable Housing Programme, which has so far created over 244,232 jobs in the construction sector, serving as a key pillar in combating youth unemployment.
Mwadime responded to the ILO’s opening report, themed “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection.”
He noted that the report aligns with Kenya’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable economic growth through productive employment and social justice.
To tackle rising youth unemployment and address skills mismatches, the Principal Secretary announced that Kenya has strengthened its labour migration governance by implementing a Labour Migration Management Strategy.
“We have established bilateral labour agreements, enhanced pre-departure training, and expanded reintegration services. These reforms have strengthened the protection and productivity of Kenyan migrant workers,” he elaborated.
Mwadime also highlighted progress in labour laws, stating that Kenya has accelerated the domestication of ratified ILO conventions through amendments to core labour legislation.
“The Employment Act, Labour Institutions Act, and Occupational Safety and Health Act have been revised to reflect emerging priorities for decent work,” he noted.
Additionally, he mentioned that Kenya has modernised its Labour Inspection and Compliance Framework through digitisation and capacity building, leading to broader coverage and improved adherence in both formal and informal sectors.
“We’ve recorded improvements in occupational health and safety, social security registration, and the elimination of child labour,” the PS said.
Mwadime stated that Kenya is investing in green jobs under its Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP), promoting circular economy models and skills for a just transition. “We urge increased international support to finance employment-intensive infrastructure, strengthen social protection systems, and support climate-just transitions in vulnerable nations,” he added.
The ILO Conference has brought together representatives from governments, employers, and workers globally.
The Director General, Gilbert Houngbo, emphasised the importance of collective solutions to evolving labour challenges.
Kenya also commended the ILO’s sustained focus on decent work amid rising global uncertainty, inequality, and climate challenges.
The Kenyan delegation included Dr. Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K), and Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director and CEO of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), both of whom addressed the meeting on behalf of workers and employers, respectively.
