ILO deepens partnerships to advance decent work in Kenya
During a high-level mission to Kenya, ILO Regional Director for Africa Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa met with national partners to strengthen collaboration on skills development, employment, and inclusive growth.
10 September 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) is strengthening its partnerships in Kenya to advance inclusive, sustainable, and decent work. During a four-day mission to Nairobi from 8 to 11 September 2025, ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, met with government officials, workers’ and employers’ representatives, the United Nations, and development partners to build momentum for key labour priorities.
At the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), discussions with Director General Theresa Wasike focused on aligning training systems with labour market demands. The upcoming national skills assessment and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities were highlighted as priorities to ensure that more people, especially those in vulnerable situations, can access relevant training and decent employment.
Partnerships with workers’ organizations were reaffirmed during a meeting with the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-Kenya). First Assistant Secretary General Ernest Nadome emphasized the strong collaboration with the ILO and reiterated support for the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 189 on domestic workers and No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work.
Collaboration within the UN system was a key theme in a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson, who recognized ILO’s leadership in job creation and committed to supporting the next ILO Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). The meeting reaffirmed the UN’s shared commitment to strengthening livelihoods through coordinated efforts.
A courtesy visit with Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, focused on national priorities including green jobs, labour migration, and data-driven strategies to address child labour. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive labour market that leaves no one behind.
At a meeting with Henk Jan Bakker, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the ILO expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ financial support to joint programmes such as PROSPECTS and ACCEL Africa. These initiatives have contributed to the creation of livelihoods, fostered social dialogue, and enhanced economic resilience in Kenyan communities. Ambassador Bakker praised the programmes’ tangible impacts and the strength of the partnership.
A key highlight of the visit was an engagement with the ILO Country Office team in Nairobi. Ms. Rwanyindo expressed her deep gratitude for the team's commitment, dedication and day-to-day efforts in delivering on the ILO’s mandate in Kenya.
The visit concluded with a field mission to the National Employment Authority (NEA) Model Job Centre in Thika. Guided by Director General Edith Okoki, Ms. Rwanyindo toured the facility and learned how digital platforms, developed with ILO support, are improving access to employment services and matching job seekers with opportunities.
Throughout the mission, the message was clear: advancing decent work in Kenya requires strong collaboration among national institutions, social partners, development partners, and the UN system. With these partnerships, the ILO continues to support Kenya in building a future of work that is inclusive, productive and just.