On the occasion of last year’s Labour Day celebrations, President William Ruto made a commitment to enhance the welfare of domestic workers in Kenya. He assured that the country would ratify two crucial International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions – Convention Number 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and Convention Number 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment at the Workplace.

“I direct the Attorney General to liaise with concerned state departments and ensure that we conclude the process quickly and in full compliance with the Labour Institutions Act and the Treaty Making and Ratification Act,” the President stated, promising to complete the ratification within three months.

Convention Number 189 establishes basic rights and principles, requiring states to take measures to ensure decent work for domestic workers. Convention Number 190, on the other hand, recognises the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.

President Ruto’s commitment was met with optimism from domestic workers, who saw the ratification as a path to better working conditions. However, as Kenya marks this year’s Labour Day, the two ILO conventions remain unratified, despite the President’s pledge. Read More on Nation Africa