The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) took centre stage at the festivities held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on May 1st, 2024. Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, EBS, Executive Director & CEO of FKE, delivered a speech that resonated with the nation's leaders, workers, and employers alike, emphasizing the crucial role of advanced information technology training in propelling Kenya's digital economy forward.
Ms. Mugo underscored the importance of preparedness for the future amidst global economic challenges. Referencing the World Economic Outlook report, she highlighted the imperative for increased productivity at both macro and micro levels to ensure Kenya's competitiveness on the global stage.
Addressing the demographic landscape, Ms. Mugo pointed out that a significant portion of the global workforce's new entrants would originate from India and sub-Saharan Africa. Acknowledging the demographic shift, she advocated for well-regulated labour migration policies to enable Kenyan workers to compete for high-quality jobs globally.
Furthermore, Mugo stressed the need for job creation initiatives, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. She called for concerted efforts to support enterprises in expanding and generating employment opportunities for the growing labour force.
FKE's vision for a conducive labour market environment centred around three key actions:
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Strengthening Social Dialogue and Tripartism: Ms. Mugo emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement between government, employers, and workers' representatives. She appealed for social dialogue to resolve ongoing industrial disputes, highlighting its role in fostering sustainable solutions beneficial to all stakeholders.
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Respecting the Independence of Trade Unions and Employers' Organizations: Upholding the autonomy of trade unions and employers' organizations was deemed fundamental to harmonious labour relations. Ms. Mugo emphasized the importance of allowing each entity to voice its concerns freely, fostering a culture of constructive dialogue and partnership.
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Supporting and Protecting Businesses: Recognizing businesses as the backbone of the economy, Ms. Mugo advocated for the creation of an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. This would include streamlining regulatory processes and offering incentives for growth while supporting informal businesses to enhance productivity and access markets.
In conclusion, Ms. Mugo reiterated FKE's commitment to building a harmonious and efficient labour market, fostering inclusivity, equity, and prosperity for all. As Kenya celebrates the dedication of her workers and employers, FKE stands firm in her advocacy for policies and initiatives that drive productivity, collaboration, and economic growth.
Labour Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of workers and employers to the nation's progress and prosperity. FKE's participation underscores her unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of employers while promoting a thriving and sustainable labour market in Kenya.