PS Shadrack Mwadime Reaffirms Kenya’s Labour Reform Agenda at ILO Summit
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By John Kariuki
Geneva, Switzerland — Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Hon. Shadrack Mwadime, has reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to job creation and labour reforms at the ongoing International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference.
Addressing delegates during the presentation of the ILO Director-General’s report themed “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection”, PS Mwadime said the report aligns closely with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which centers on inclusive growth, decent work, and social justice.
He outlined key interventions Kenya is undertaking to stimulate employment—among them, major infrastructure investments, MSME incentives, and expanded access to credit via the Hustler Fund. He noted that these policies are designed to create quality jobs while addressing income inequality.
On legislative reform, PS Mwadime highlighted recent amendments to the Employment Act, Labour Institutions Act, and Occupational Safety and Health Act, aimed at aligning Kenya’s labour laws with global standards. “Kenya is accelerating the domestication of ratified ILO conventions to reflect evolving decent work priorities,” he said.
In tackling climate-related labour shifts, he spotlighted the government’s focus on green jobs and a just transition for affected workers through the Green Economy Strategy and circular economy principles. “We are building adaptive capacity to safeguard livelihoods in the face of climate change,” he stated.
He also detailed reforms in labour inspection and compliance, including the digitization of inspection systems and upskilling of enforcement officers. These efforts, he said, are already improving workplace safety, boosting social security registration, and fighting child labour.
PS Mwadime praised the ILO for staying focused on decent work amid global disruptions and affirmed Kenya’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to promote fair, safe, and inclusive labour markets.
“Kenya remains steadfast in delivering decent work for all. It’s not just a development goal—it’s a national imperative,” he concluded.
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