Multi-Stakeholder Forum to Eradicate Labour Exploitation

Last Updated: September 26, 2025By adminCategories: Finance

Event Recap: Multi-Stakeholder Forum to Eradicate Labour Exploitation in Western Kenya

Marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of vulnerable workers and children, the Kenya Workers Rights and Harmonization Program (KWRHP) convened a powerful coalition of national and local stakeholders for an education and awareness forum. The event, held at Kanduyi DEB Primary School, brought together the International Labour Organization (ILO), Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children (KAACR), Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE), Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), and the Department of Labour to address the interconnected evils of child labour, forced labour, human trafficking, and violations of acceptable working conditions.

This collaborative effort underscored a shared commitment to creating a protective environment for all workers, especially the most vulnerable, in line with national laws and international labour standards.

Key Issues Addressed

The forum provided a platform for open dialogue and education on critical issues:

Child Labour

Forced Labour & Human Trafficking

Violations of Acceptable Working Conditions

Child Labour: Highlighting the distinction between harmless chores and exploitative child labour, as defined by the Children’s Act and ILO Conventions. The session focused on the importance of keeping children in school and the long-term consequences of child labour on national development.
Forced Labour & Human Trafficking: Educating the community on the tactics used by traffickers and the indicators of forced labour, emphasizing that any work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered themselves voluntarily constitutes forced labour.
Violations of Acceptable Conditions: Demystifying the Employment Act provisions on fair wages, written contracts, working hours, occupational safety and health, and the right to organize.

Students marching to mark Child Labour Day

A Unified Front Against Labour Exploitation

A Collaborative Commitment to Action

The presence of this diverse group of partners sent a strong message of unity:

ILO provided the global framework and technical expertise on international labour standards.
KAACR brought its focused advocacy on child rights and protection mechanisms.
FKE emphasized the role of employers in upholding ethical recruitment and fair labour practices.
COTU-K championed the workers’ perspective and the power of collective bargaining.
Department of Labour outlined government enforcement mechanisms and reporting channels.
KWRHP served as the grassroots bridge, translating policy into actionable knowledge for the community.

Our Pledge

The forum concluded with a collective pledge to strengthen community vigilance, improve reporting mechanisms, and foster continued collaboration among all social partners. KWRHP remains steadfast in its mission to be a frontline defender of workers’ rights, ensuring that the principles discussed at Kanduyi DEB Primary School translate into tangible protection and justice for every worker in Western Kenya.

#EndChildLabour #EndForcedLabour #HumanTrafficking #WorkersRights #SocialDialogue

About the Partners:

ILO: The United Nations agency devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.
KAACR: A national umbrella body for organizations committed to the advancement of children’s rights in Kenya.
FKE: The premier representative organization for employers in Kenya, promoting sound industrial relations.
COTU (K): The national trade union center in Kenya, representing the interests of workers.
Department of Labour: The government agency responsible for enforcing labour laws and policies.