28/04/2025
Today, at the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 commemorated at the Governor's Ground in Laikipia County, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua , Ph.D., E.G.H, reaffirmed the Government of Kenyaâs steadfast commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of all workers. His message, delivered by Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, emphasized the central role of safe working environments in building a resilient and inclusive economy.
The event also showcased the launch of the International Labour Organizationâs (ILO) latest report, "Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work."
The report highlights how technological advancements are reshaping global occupational health and safety standards, offering new opportunities to enhance worker protection.
Dr. Mutua stressed that promoting safe and healthy workplaces is fundamental to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) â advancing decent work and inclusive economic growth. He called upon all stakeholders â including governments, industries, and workers â to embrace innovation, compliance, and partnerships in cultivating safer, more inclusive workspaces for youth, women, men, and persons with disabilities.
Laikipia County Governor, H.E Joshua Irungu, EGH , echoed these sentiments by pledging to strengthen county frameworks for occupational safety, enhance workplace inspections, and roll out awareness campaigns across different sectors.
Both the National and County Governments reaffirmed their joint commitment to fostering workplaces that uphold human dignity, protect lives, and enhance productivity, setting Kenya firmly on the path toward a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future.
The occasion served as a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect our most important asset â our workforce.
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution progresses, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, machine learning, and cloud computing are rapidly transforming industries from agriculture and healthcare to manufacturing and education. While these innovations present tremendous opportunities for growth, they also pose new challenges in ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of workers.
It is essential that the adoption of digital tools and AI not compromise the humanization of the workplace. Instead, technology should be leveraged to create safer, more inclusive, and globally competitive work environments.
As the Department of Education, Vocational Training and Library Services, we commit to:
ăIntegrating occupational safety and health education into vocational and technical training curricula.
ăEquipping learners with digital skills that promote safe engagement with emerging technologies in the workplace.
ăPromoting awareness on the importance of workplace health and safety through libraries and community outreach programs.
ăPartnering with industries to offer internships and training opportunities focused on safe work practices in the era of digitalization and AI.
ăAdvocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, youth, and women in safety-centered vocational education initiatives.
Together, through education, innovation, and collaboration, we will prepare our workforce to thrive safely in a rapidly evolving world of work.
Stephen Kisorio
Jecinta Koree International Labour Organization