Mombasa: Domestic workers in Mombasa County have urged the government to ratify and enforce International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 189 and 190. They say this is necessary to curtail widespread mistreatment of workers, including overtime work without compensation, abuse, harassment, and exploitative contracts.
According to Kenya News Agency, the call came during a public participation forum at KICODEP Social Hall in Bombolulu, where workers shared harrowing personal experiences and emphasized the need for stronger legal protections for Kenyans employed both locally and abroad. Phoebe Nassir, a domestic worker from Nyali, highlighted the challenges faced in the sector, detailing issues such as unpaid overtime, abuse, and underage employment.
Mwanamisha Matano, who worked abroad as a domestic worker, described similar hardships in foreign countries, including long working hours, denial of food, and lack of medical care. She advocated for the ratification of Convention 189 to protect both domestic workers abroad and those who have returned.
Aima Mohammed, a resident from Bamburi, shared experiences of systemic exploitation faced by Kenyan workers in foreign countries. She described discrepancies between promised and actual salaries, confiscation of travel documents, and degrading treatment. Mohammed urged the Mombasa County government to ratify the conventions to ensure fair wages and justice for abused workers, and called on local leaders to support these efforts.
Edith Murogo, Executive Director of the Centre for Domestic Training and Development, pointed out the unique vulnerabilities of domestic workers due to their employment in private households. She noted the government’s progress since the 2011 adoption of Convention 189 and highlighted the Centre’s efforts to professionalize the sector through training programs.
Oxfam Representative Purity Jebor reported that research showed employers of domestic workers accounted for the majority of gender-based violence cases in the sector. She emphasized the importance of sensitizing workers to decent work standards and engaging employers on compliance with labor laws.
Hellen Apiyo, Commissioner for Labour, described the forum as part of a nationwide outreach to gather public views on ratification. She highlighted the importance of the conventions for protecting vulnerable workers and noted ongoing efforts to address legislative gaps. Apiyo also discussed challenges for migrant workers in the Middle East and the need for clearer enforcement mechanisms.
Participants at the forum expressed hope for improved working conditions, with a strong turnout indicating a significant need for enhanced protection and safety for the workforce.
