Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

13/06/2026

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11/06/2026

At the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC), the Secretary for Labour Migration at the State Department for Labour and Skills Development,Secretary Labour Migration, Joel Mwanzia, met with Christophe Perrin, Director of the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

On behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, EGH, the Secretary expressed appreciation for the Centre’s vital role in strengthening the capacity of labour, employment, and occupational safety and health inspectors through its training and capacity-building programs. The discussions centered on deepening collaboration to enhance officers’ skills in labour migration governance, labour administration, and inspection, with a focus on promoting decent work, improving inspection systems, and safeguarding workers’ rights.

The Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the ILO’s International Training Centre to advance effective labour administration, migration management, and inspection services aligned with international standards. During the meeting, he was accompanied by Mr. Leonard Bii, Deputy Labour Commissioner, as well as Kenya’s Labour Attachés to Geneva and Germany.

11/06/2026

Today, Labour and Skills Development, Principal Secretary, Shadrack Mwadime, launched the Samsung-TEPConnect digital classroom initiative at Great Lakes University of Kisumu, telling reporters that Kenya faces a pivotal moment in turning its youthful population into a global workforce.

The launch, he described, was more than a classroom upgrade; it was a public-facing commitment to connect education with skills, employability, entrepreneurship, enterprise growth and global opportunity. He congratulated GLUK for becoming the pioneer in the Samsung-TEPConnect ecosystem, saying the university can be a launchpad for digital learning, language proficiency, labour mobility and enterprise creation.

The PS commended Samsung East Africa, represented by Mr. Anthony Njihia, for anchoring the digital classroom component, noting that devices and secure learning infrastructure are essential tools for modern education. Berlitz East Africa was recognised as a key partner, with the PS explaining that language training translates digital access into real mobility—opening doors to people, employers, cultures and markets. He stressed that Berlitz’s languages—German, Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic and English—are not merely subjects but economic pathways to opportunities in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and international services.

In outlining the Samsung-TEPConnect ecosystem, he said it is device-led and partner-enabled, beginning in education and potentially leading to formal employment, international labour mobility or enterprise creation, with pathways from Samsung Trader to the Burudi Incubator helping MSMEs scale. The export-oriented aim was clear: Kenya must produce entrepreneurs and exporters capable of reaching regional and international markets, with DHL and other partners supporting trade expansion.

The PS closed by urging GLUK to extend the model across campuses and into Open, Distance and e-Learning, ensuring geographic reach, and called on banks and development partners to provide

11/06/2026

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10/06/2026

KENYA IS ACTIVELY INTENSIFYING ITS LABOUR DIPLOMACY AT THE 114TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE (ILC) IN GENEVA, SWITZERLANDS'

Kenya is actively intensifying its labour diplomacy at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. The delegation, led by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, is advocating for safer labour migration, decent work in the digital gig economy, and better protections for the vast informal workforce,

Holding back-to-back high-level meetings to secure and protect its overseas workforce. Leading the Kenyan delegation, Mr. Joel Mwanzia, the Secretary for Labour Migration Management, spearheaded a series of strategic bilateral talks aimed at cleaning up international recruitment systems and expanding secure employment opportunities.A major breakthrough emerged from a high-level bilateral engagement between Mr. Mwanzia and the head of Jordan’s government delegation, Ministry of Labour Secretary-General Mr. Abdelhaleem Dojan. The two nations are on the verge of finalizing a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to legally regulate the recruitment and deployment of Kenyan domestic and care workers to Jordan. Most of the technical work on the agreement is already complete, with only internal administrative clearances pending on both sides. To prevent further delays, Kenya and Jordan agreed to convene a virtual bilateral meeting in the coming days to review the final draft and fast-track the official signing. The high stakes of this agreement were reflected in the heavy diplomatic presence from Amman, which included Jordan's Head of Agreements Mr. Amer Alkharabsheh, Labour Relations Director Mr. Adnan Al Dahamsheh, Minister Plenipotentiary Mr. Mohammad Al Aqeel, and Third Secretary Ms. Salsabeel Mufleh, assisted by advisor and translator Mr. Nezam Qahoush.While the Jordan deal secures a critical specific market, a separate high-profile meeting with the International Labour Organization (ILO) sought to fortify Kenya's broader migration architecture. Mr. Mwanzia met with the ILO’s Chief of Labour Migration, Ms. Gladys Cisneros, to review ongoing technical cooperation and support between the global body and Kenya's Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The discussions focused heavily on comprehensive labour migration governance, modernizing labour administration frameworks, and scaling up national initiatives for child labour elimination. A key priority was the introduction of skills mobility frameworks to ensure that Kenyan professional credentials and qualifications are programmatically recognized and elevated in international markets.Recognizing that policy frameworks require strong field enforcement, the Kenyan delegation maintained a unified diplomatic front with officials who interact directly with migrant workers.

Throughout these bilateral engagements, Mr. Mwanzia was supported by Deputy Labour Commissioner Mr. Leonard Bii, alongside Kenya’s strategic Labour Attachés posted to key international markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Germany (represented by Caroline), and Geneva (represented by Lenarum). These attachés serve as the front-line defense for Kenyan citizens abroad, managing workplace grievances and monitoring employment conditions. Together, these Geneva meetings signal a decisive shift toward aggressive, legally binding labour diplomacy that prioritizes worker dignity, transparent recruitment, and fair employment conditions.

10/06/2026

Kenya and ILO Hold High-Level Talks to Boost Migrant Worker Protections and Labour GovernanceGENEVA, SWITZERLAND — In a move to safeguard the rights of Kenyans working abroad, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO).On the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), the Secretary for Labour Migration Management, Mr. Joel Mwanzia, held consultative talks with the ILO’s Chief of Labour Migration, Ms. Gladys Cisneros. The high-level meeting served as a strategic platform to review ongoing collaborations and map out technical support for Kenya’s labour sector

09/06/2026

Ahead of the opening of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, PS Joseph M. Motari paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Head of Kenya's Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Yabesh Monari.

Accompanied by the Executive Director of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Dr. David Munene, and Senator Crystal Asige Kimuge. Our discussions focused on Kenya's participation in the conference and strengthening collaboration in advancing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

07/06/2026

WUNDANYI, TAITA-TAVETA COUNTY

Only 300,000 young people in Kenya are absorbed into both the public and private sectors annually, leaving nearly 700,000 without employment opportunities, a situation that continues to raise concern over youth unemployment in the country.
This was revealed by Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime while addressing members of Chicago FC at ACK Shigaro Church in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County, on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Principal Secretary, the government is implementing various initiatives aimed at ensuring that young people not only secure employment but also achieve economic stability.

He encouraged the youth to take advantage of government programs and opportunities to start income-generating activities, no matter how small.
“The government is doing everything possible to ensure that our youth not only get employment but also become economically stable,” said Mwadime.

The PS further disclosed that the Kenya Kwanza administration is preparing to roll out the NITA Fund and urged young people to remain alert and ready to benefit from the initiative once it is launched.

Mwadime also sensitized the youth on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which enables individuals to receive certification for skills acquired outside formal education systems.
“There’s also the online virtual training and mentorship programme that my State Department runs, which exposes you to online jobs,” said the PS.

He added that the training is offered free of charge through the State Department for Labour and Skills Development in partnership with Ajira Digital and Safaricom, and includes opportunities for skills development and industrial attachments.
The Principal Secretary concluded his visit by donating footballs and football kits to Chicago FC to support the club’s sporting activities and youth development efforts.
The PS also served as the guest preacher for the day.

06/06/2026

PS in Taita Taveta:
Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary, Shadrack Mwadime, joined President William Rutos' wamama na Ruto campaign launch this afternoon in Taita-Taveta County. sallying supporters and underscoring the administration’s ongoing development agenda. Speaking to residents and party supporters, Mwadime attributed the visible progress in the region to the President’s leadership and said government projects are delivering tangible benefits to local communities.

Mwadime’s remarks framed development as a direct outcome of cabinet and national investment decisions, urging continued local backing for stalled and ongoing projects. The message was clear: support for government programs translates into progress for communities that historically felt left behind.

Later in the day, the PS wrapped up his schedule with a faith-filled community gathering in Mwatate. The worship experience at the Taita Academy Grounds, organized by Selestine Kivuma, drew ministers from various portfolios and a broad segment of locals. The event served as a moment of reflection amid a busy schedule, with attendees sharing blessings and reaffirming commitment to serving the public.

The day’s engagements underscore a broader strategy to connect development narratives with everyday experiences in counties that require targeted investment and steady implementation of national policies.

05/06/2026

Labour Ministry Seeks Additional KSh 4.5 Billion to Boost Job Creation and Skills Programmes

The State Department for Labour and Skills Development has appealed to the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare for an additional KSh 4.503 billion in the 2026/27 Budget Estimates to enable full implementation of its priority programmes and projects.

Appearing before the committee on behalf of Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Joseph Motari emphasized the need for enhanced funding to support critical interventions, including labour migration and labour mobility programmes.

The Department has set ambitious targets for the coming financial year, including facilitating the placement of 570,000 job seekers in gainful employment locally and abroad and assessing and certifying 61,000 individuals under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which validates skills acquired through informal and non-formal learning.

"Our goal is to expand access to employment opportunities and ensure that skills acquired outside formal education systems are recognized and certified, enabling more Kenyans to participate competitively in the labour market," the Department told the committee.

However, the State Department noted that persistent funding constraints continue to undermine programme delivery.
"Inadequate financial resources arising from low budgetary allocations and recurring budget cuts have continued to strain and hamper implementation of our programmes and interventions," tdepartmentent stated.

The department further highlighted several challenges affecting the implementation of the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), including: Limited budgetary allocation for key labour programmes and interventions;
Rising cases of unethical recruitment practices by unscrupulous agencies and brokers;
Increasing incidents of irregular migration