Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has called for the urgent elimination of weak and exploitative employment contracts that continue to expose Kenyan workers—especially those seeking opportunities abroad—to abuse and unfair treatment.
Speaking during a high-level forum with the County Governance Watch leadership, Dr. Mutua emphasized that many Kenyans are lured into signing poorly structured contracts that lack essential protections for their rights, safety, and welfare.
“We cannot continue to allow our workers to suffer under exploitative conditions simply because they lacked access to the right information or support,” Dr. Mutua stated. “The government is determined to end this cycle of abuse.”
In a bid to empower Kenyan workers, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is set to roll out comprehensive literacy programs designed to educate workers about their rights. These programs will focus on key aspects of employment contracts, including understanding legal obligations, contract terms, and available channels for redress in case of violations.
“The goal is to ensure every Kenyan, whether working locally or abroad, fully understands the contracts they sign and knows how to seek justice when their rights are infringed,” Dr. Mutua said.
This move builds on earlier reforms announced by the Cabinet Secretary aimed at making overseas employment safer and more beneficial for Kenyan workers. The government has been actively working to tighten oversight and enhance the regulation of labor migration.
Additionally, Dr. Mutua affirmed that the government will fully implement the recently gazetted minimum wage for all workers within the next four months, signaling a broader commitment to protect workers’ rights and improve living standards across the country.
These initiatives reflect the government’s renewed focus on fair labor practices and underscore its pledge to create a more just and equitable employment landscape for all Kenyans
