The National Treasury estimates that ratifying the conventions will cost Sh104.9 million over three years and to attract about Sh3 billion support

The two conventions seek to guarantee decent work for domestic workers and protect employees against workplace violence and harassment. /AI GENERATED

Domestic workers and employees in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) could soon benefit from stronger minimum wage protections as parliament pushes for the ratification of international labour conventions aimed at curbing exploitation and improving working conditions.

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Labour has backed the State Department for Labour and Skills Development’s proposal to ratify International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 189 and 190.

The proposed ratification comes amid concerns that some EPZ workers earn as little as Sh8,000 a month, while more than two million domestic workers face poor pay, limited social security coverage and a lack of written employment contracts.

Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime told the committee that Kenya was lagging behind other African countries in ratifying the conventions, weakening efforts to enforce decent working conditions.

"Kenya must stop marketing itself as a destination for cheap labour, which leads to exploitation in EPZs and Special Economic Zones. Ratification will give the Labour Directorate the necessary legal framework to inspect and enforce fair working conditions," the PS said.

Mwadime said ratifying the conventions would strengthen protections for domestic workers, many of whom lack formal employment agreements and access to social security benefits.

He noted that some households were failing to pay the gazetted minimum wage of Sh18,000, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

The proposed reforms could strengthen enforcement of existing wage regulations and improve accountability among employers who disregard minimum wage requirements.

Commissioner for Labour Hellen Apiyo said the conventions would address gaps in employment protection, including freedom of association, written contracts, elimination of forced labour and access to social security through the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The measures would also improve access to justice for migrant workers, who often face difficulties pursuing employment-related claims.

The committee raised concerns over reports that some EPZ employees earn as little as Sh8,000 monthly despite working 12-hour shifts.

Lawmakers also questioned reports that overtime was paid at between Sh80 and Sh100 per hour, raising concerns about compliance with labour laws and applicable wage requirements.

Committee chair Ken Chonga questioned why workers were earning such low wages, particularly in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, where municipal status attracts higher minimum wage rates.

"What are our Labour Officers doing? The Ministry cannot claim ignorance of conditions that are widespread across EPZs nationwide," Chonga posed.

Committee member Kagesi questioned the effectiveness of labour inspections, noting that officers had visited EPZs in Kilifi a week before the committee meeting and submitted reports, yet troubling working conditions persisted.

The lawmakers questioned whether labour officers were adequately enforcing wage regulations and holding employers accountable for violations.

Mwadime acknowledged the contradiction of Kenya being marketed as a cheap labour destination to attract investors, even as some employers disregard workers' rights.

The proposed ratification would provide a stronger framework for addressing such concerns, although its impact would depend on effective enforcement and employers' compliance with labour laws.

The State Department is also facing a shortage of experienced staff, with many senior labour officers expected to retire next year following a 20-year recruitment gap.

The staffing challenge threatens to complicate efforts to strengthen workplace inspections and enforce minimum wage requirements across the country.

Principal Economist Dennis Olila told the committee that the funds would cover public participation, legal drafting and the operationalisation of the Domestic Wages Council and Migrant Workers Welfare Fund.

The government expects to attract about Sh3 billion in development partner support to help implement the reforms.

The committee also received an update on labour migration agreements nearing signing with Canada's New Brunswick province, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and South Korea.