Domestic workers push for rights as Kenya eyes key labour reforms

Despite playing a key role in running households across Kenya, domestic and care workers have long remained one of the most vulnerable groups in the labour sector.

Many have been overlooked, with their work undervalued and their contributions to society often ignored. This is in addition to continuous violations of their rights.

For Peter Owuor Okello, a Nairobi domestic worker, too often, their workplaces make them feel invisible as they are overlooked.

“Sometimes we are not at peace in our places of work. Harassment is real, even for men like us. Some people think a domestic worker does not have any rights,” he said.

Stakeholders say such experiences are common across the sector, where workers endure long hours of work, poor pay, lack of inclusion, and limited access to social protection. Many are also exposed to violence and harassment, with few safe spaces or opportunities for training and career growth.

Speaking during the culmination of nationwide public participation on the proposed ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No 189 on Domestic Workers and Convention No 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, stakeholders noted that domestic workers remain largely invisible, with their rights frequently violated.

“Domestic work has never been treated like any other job. Yet, most working people have left a domestic worker in their home, managing valuable property,” said Joyce Mwikali, another domestic and care worker.

“We really hope our pay will improve as provided for in the Constitution. It is not easy for us.”

He said many of these challenges could be addressed through clear work agreements.

“If we had contracts defining the amount of work, working hours, wages, and our rights as workers, things would have been better,” Mwikali said.

Edith Murogo, executive director at the Centre for Domestic Training and Development, noted that one thing ailing the domestic work sector is the fact that employers are also misguided on the rights and protection of domestic workers.

“Issues of contracts and minimum wage require proper engagement and sensitisation of employers,” she said.

She further noted that the existing legal frameworks are weak, undermining workers’ protection and leaving many human rights violations unaddressed.

“Enforcement of labour laws, especially when it comes to domestic workers, is still very wanting, and privacy laws often limit inspections,” she added.

Murogo said current data shows that one in every two households in Nairobi has employed a domestic worker. “I don’t think we have a labour force that matches those numbers. A lot still needs to be done, and some laws limit officers from accessing private homes,” she further explained.

During the public participation held in Nairobi, the majority of the workers supported ratification of the twin Conventions, saying they would bring much-needed changes.

 “We have been fighting for this for a very long time, but now we have hopes for its ratification, and also hoping the government will act with speed to implement the same,” Mwikali said.

Convention 189 seeks to formalise and dignify domestic work by guaranteeing fair terms of employment, social protection, and recognition of domestic workers as integral contributors to the economy. Convention 190, on the other hand, addresses a critical gap by providing a comprehensive framework to prevent and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.

The conventions outline key areas including terms and conditions of employment, working hours and rest, protection of vulnerable groups, remuneration and social security, inspection and enforcement, dispute resolution, as well as the roles of employers, government, and international cooperation.

The overall goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and violence-free working environment for all.

Principal Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Shadrack Mwadime, said that despite existing legal provisions, the major challenge lies with the enforcement of the said guidelines as well as coverage and protection, particularly for workers in the informal economy who make up the majority of our workforce.

“Ratification will strengthen our legal and institutional frameworks, enhance worker protection, and align Kenya with international labour standards,” said

He added that ratification of the Conventions will not only benefit Kenyan domestic workers, but also Kenyans working abroad, especially in the Gulf countries.

“We want domestic workers to operate in a safe and dignified environment, both locally and internationally. This reflects our dignity as a nation, especially since a good number of domestic workers work in the global labour market,” he said.

While the ratification process is still ongoing, the government says it is committed to seeing it through. For thousands of domestic workers, they hope that these reforms will finally translate into safer workplaces, fair pay, and long-overdue recognition.