Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime has stated at the 113th International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference, that government has made job creation a cornerstone of its national development strategy, with promising results.
Speaking at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Mwadime emphasized that job creation anchors Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The government has implemented an integrated approach, combining infrastructure investments, incentives for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and expanded credit access through the Hustler Fund, a key financial inclusion program.
“The Affordable Housing Programme alone has generated 244,232 jobs in construction nationwide,” Mwadime said, highlighting tangible outcomes.
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Mwadime, received by ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo, noted that this year’s ILO report, “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection,” aligns with BETA’s focus on inclusive, sustainable growth through employment and social justice. He outlined Kenya’s progress in aligning national laws with ILO conventions, including recent updates to the Employment Act, Labour Institutions Act, and Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Climate change’s impact on labor markets was a key focus. “Kenya is investing in green jobs through the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan, promoting circular economy principles and equipping workers for a just transition,” Mwadime said.
He praised the ILO’s commitment to decent work amid global challenges like economic uncertainty and climate disruption. Mwadime also detailed reforms in Kenya’s labour inspection system, including digitization and enhanced training for inspectors, leading to better compliance with occupational health, safety standards, social security, and child labor elimination.
