Celebrating Progress and Advocating for Rights

Organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD), Oxfam, and the Global Justice Group (GJG), this year's event centred on the theme of "Empowering Domestic Workers: Ensuring Dignity, Rights, and Fair Treatment." This theme underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance protections and support for domestic workers in Kenya and worldwide.

Celebrating Progress

Kenya has made significant strides in advancing domestic workers' rights. A cornerstone of these efforts is the impending ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 (C189) on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Once ratified, this convention will formalize protections guaranteeing domestic workers fair wages, reasonable working hours, and social security benefits, among other rights. The commitment to this ratification was a prominent feature in the speeches and discussions throughout the day, signalling strong support from both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

Stakeholder Involvement:

The commitment towards ratification was prominently featured in the discussions during the International Domestic Workers Day 2024. Government and non-governmental organizations have shown strong support for the ratification, indicating a collaborative effort to ensure the successful implementation of the Convention’s provisions.

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© ILO

Kenya's Journey To the Ratification of Convention 189

What is Convention 189?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 (C189), also known as the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011, sets standards to ensure decent work conditions for domestic workers. It includes provisions on fair wages, working hours, social security, protection from abuse and harassment, and freedom to form and join trade unions. The Convention aims to protect and promote the rights of domestic workers worldwide.

Details on ILO C189 Ratification - Commitment and Process:

Ratification of ILO C189 requires a country's government to formally adhere to the standards set out in the Convention. This process typically involves legislative or regulatory changes to align national laws and practices with the Convention's requirements.

Global Adoption:

As of July 2024, 36 countries have ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. This convention aims to protect and improve the working conditions of domestic workers worldwide by establishing minimum labor standards. The ratification process is ongoing, and various countries continue to consider adopting this important convention to ensure better protections and rights for domestic workers

Kenya's Progress:

Kenya has made significant strides toward the ratification of ILO C189. The government has shown a strong commitment through various initiatives and collaborations with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Labour, CDTD, Oxfam, and the Global Justice Group. The ratification process involves several steps, including drafting legislation that aligns with the Convention, conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders, and obtaining parliamentary approval.

Implications of Ratification:

Ratifying ILO C189 will legally bind Kenya to implement and enforce the standards in the Convention. This will include ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, social security benefits, and protection from abuse for domestic workers. The ratification will also enhance Kenya’s international standing regarding labor rights and provide a framework for continued improvements in domestic workers' conditions.

Moving Forward

As stakeholders continue to collaborate and advocate for meaningful change, the aspirations of domestic workers for recognition, respect, and fair treatment move closer to realization. The imminent ratification of ILO C189 by Kenya represents a significant step towards ensuring the rights and dignity of domestic workers. Stakeholders continue to work together to finalize this process, with the anticipation that it will lead to substantial improvements in the working and living conditions of domestic workers in Kenya.

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© ILO

The event also featured a keynote speech by Mr. Shadrack Mwangolo Mwadime, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, who reaffirmed the government's dedication to improving conditions for domestic workers. His speech was met with optimism regarding the forthcoming ratification of ILO C189, which promises to elevate standards and protections for domestic workers nationwide.

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© ILO