A virtual induction session was held on 27th July 2023. This session went a long way in helping new members understand the role played by the Federation in representing the interests of employers at the tripartite level. The session was presided over by Ms. Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director and CEO, Federation of Kenya Employers.
The new members were appraised on how the Federation runs the legal services, policy advocacy and Industrial Relations agenda highlighting the engagement platforms and how new members can benefit from the Federation. It was noted that the Federation had transformed itself from a traditional employers’ organization focusing on industrial relations to include value added services that address the emerging needs of the new dynamic labour market. Members were informed that they were free to access an array of services offered by FKE including access to the Industrial Relations advisor who provide expert advice on difficult grievance, disciplinary and other industrial relations matters.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Jacqueline Mugo said that FKE had remained vigilant in her advocacy role through active involvement in tripartite consultations and engagement with government and labour movements, both on issues that are directly related to the labour market and those that deal with broader economic and social policy. She further highlighted some of such effort; “The Federation further petitioned Policymakers and urged them to review detrimental proposals in the NHIF (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021, the NSSF (Amendment) Bill 2021, proposed Statutory Minimum Wage review, Work Injury Social Insurance Scheme, Unemployment Insurance Fund Bill, and the National Social Security Fund Act, 2023, among others” she said.
On his part, Mr. Dickens Ouma, the Ag. Head of Industrial Relations, Legal & Membership Services, affirmed to the fact that the Federation has represented employers before the Employment and Labour Relations Court and other courts on labor related disputes “Because we monitor all emerging issues in employment and labour laws both in Kenya and beyond, we are uniquely equipped to advise and represent our members on complex employment and labour issues at reasonable fees” he said .
Members were further assured that as long as they remain active , FKE’s legal experts will be at hand to provide comprehensive advice on interpretation of employment legislation, best practice in human resource management and industrial relations issues. Other areas covered were: training and development, partnerships and projects, and organizational development