Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for renewed collective action to achieve a work environment that is free from violence and harassment.
Speaking during the official opening of the second employment and labor relation, annual symposium and exhibition, She Advised employers, trade unions, policy makers, and civil society to work together, forge partnerships, build stronger institutions and create safe and respectful workplaces for all.
“We must ask ourselves whether we are doing enough to protect employees from violence and harassment; are we fostering work places where everyone can thrive free from intimidation, abuse, or discrimination?” CJ Koome Said.
She urged the ELRC to assess whether domestic laws align with global standards and if the jurisprudence developed by the court meets the high standards set by comparative jurisdictions.
Chief Justice Koome noted that the International Labour Organisation Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), along with its accompanying recommendation (No. 206), provide a comprehensive framework for a workplace free from violence and harassment.
“These instruments articulate a clear, inclusive, and gender-responsive approach to prevention and redress,” said the Chief Justice.
Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua said that it is important for the country to have a system where everyone feels there is a fair environment adding that when an employee goes to court they should feel they lost fairly if they do.
“Judgments have a big way of scaring investors if not done fairly. We have to provide an environment for productivity where employees work well and the employers also get the value for their money,” said Dr Mutua
He assured participants that Convention 190 of the ILO will be ratified before the end of the year.
ELRC Principal Judge Byram Ongaya said the symposium is one of those initiatives for multi-door access to justice. He added that law and policy must provide for a work environment that is gender based and free from harassment.