Labour Committee Urges Allocation of More Resources for Labour Law Review

Principal Secretary of the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, has emphasized the urgent need for increased allocation of resources to facilitate the review of Kenya’s labour laws.

Speaking at a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Labour chaired by Hon. Karemba Muchangi (Runyenjes), Mwadime underscored the importance of updating the current legislation governing the labour sector.

“The current legislation governing the labour sector dates back to 2007 before the promulgation of Kenya’s new constitution. They not only need to be aligned with the new constitution but also be responsive to changing dynamics in the Labour sector,” emphasized Mr. Mwadime.

The meeting, convened to consider the 2024/25 FY Revenue Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure and the 2023/24 FY Supplementary Estimates II, highlighted the necessity of allocating adequate resources to the State Department for Labour and Skills Development to execute its mandate effectively.

Hon. Karemba Muchangi reassured the State Department of the committee’s commitment to supporting its endeavors by ensuring the availability of resources required to address emerging challenges in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers.

“This committee will strive to appropriate resources to you to fund critical areas that adequately address emerging challenges to safeguard the rights and welfare of Kenyan workers,” stated Hon. Karemba.

The urgency to review and update Kenya’s labour laws was emphasized by Mwadime, who pointed out that the outdated laws fail to effectively address contemporary labour issues and protect the interests of employees. The existing national labour laws include the Employment Act 2007, the Labour Relations Act 2007, the Labour Institution Act 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007, and the Occupational Safety and Health Policy, Legal, and Institutional Reforms.

The commitment by the committee to mobilize more resources towards the initiative reflects a shared dedication to promoting a healthy workforce, economic prosperity, and equitable labour practices in Kenya. As discussions progress, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the modernization of labour laws to align with current realities and ensure the well-being of all workers in the country.