Mr. Stephen Obiro, Head of Advocacy, Consulting and Partnerships and represented Ms. Jaqueline Mugo, Executive Director & CEO FKE at a high-level conference and round table on strengthening social dialogue in Kenya on 8th December 2023 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi.
This high-level event was graced by Henriette Geiger, Ambassador Delegation of the European Union to Kenya. While making her opening remarks, Henriette encouraged the social partners to work together and identify solutions to common challenges.
“You cannot have a thriving private sector when employers, workers and government are not working together. Countries that thrive are those that have strong tripartism.” she said.
The ambassador opined that there is need for the government to listen to the private sector and address concerns that may affect enterprise performance. She hinted that the European Union was soon going to Sign an EU Kenya trade agreement that focus on sustainable trade. She further mentioned the need to improve productivity as a country for sustainable development.
On her remarks, Ms. Hellen Opiyo emphasized on the need to build the capacity of the National Labour Board and the Labour Inspectorate Officer in a bid to improve the application of International Labour Standards
Speaking during the event, Mr. Obiro said that social dialogue is vital towards reforming labour laws, managing the political environment and the economy within the country. He emphasized on the need for social partners to work together and called on for the need to review the Labour laws, embrace digitization in workplaces and strengthening international frameworks and conventions including convention C190 on harassment and violence at workplace. Mr. Obiro further said that strengthening social dialogue means that all the issues of mutual interest among social partners will be addressed at any given time.
Mr. Jealous Chirove, Director a.i, CO Da res Salaam, ILO expressed confidence in the Labour Board membership and called upon members to work together. He recognized the important role played by the National Labour Board in advising on all matters relating to Labour and employment. They include ILO Conventions that need to be ratified; general state of employment, training and manpower development in the country; appointment of members of the various council’s; the setting of compensation benefits under the Work Injuries Benefits Act; productivity measurement and improvement; registration, suspension and deregistration of trade unions and employers’ organizations.
This meeting was organized by the Ministry of Labour in partnership with European Commission, Global Deal, and International Training Centre.