On May 25-26, 2026, at the Kenya School of Government (KSG), the National Conference on Workplace Protection had delegates resolve to push for amendments to the Employment Act 2007 and the development of sector-wide standards on prevention, reporting, investigation, and redress in order to strengthen workplace protection systems.

Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, Principal Secretary, Public Service and Human Capital Development, at the opening, underscored Government’s resolve to protect workers as both a moral responsibility and a strategic investment to ensure a people-centred public service grounded in professionalism, and respect for human dignity.

According to ILO Regional Chief Advisor, Ms. Caroline Njuki, global and local statistics show widespread impact of workplace violence and harassment.  Recent study estimate that gender-based violence and harassment costs Kenya’s private sector approximately KShs. 95.5 billion annually from low productivity and reduced working days.

KSG Director General, Prof. Nura Mohamed, described workplace protection as a governance, leadership, and institutional performance imperative that has now moved to the centre of public sector reform discourse.

Appropriately themed; “Evidence to Action for Safe and Decent Workplaces in the Public Sector” the Conference reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to revitalize workplace protection and advance ratification of ILO Convention 190.

Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Mercy Wanjau who was also key note speaker agrees that the conversation around ILO Convention 190 is ultimately about people; the teacher preparing for class, the nurse on shift, the officer on duty, the social worker in the field, and every public servant who deserves to work free from violence and harassment.

Workplace protection discussions cannot be divorced from the Constitution of Kenya, particularly Articles 28 and 29 which uphold human dignity and protect individuals from violence, abuse, and degrading treatment.

Some of the resolutions include stronger partnerships, greater investment in survivor support services, enhanced accountability, sustained public awareness, and continued research and monitoring to promote safer and more inclusive workplaces across Kenya.

Ms. Betty Gachire, Director, Institute of Gender and Social Development, an institute at KSG, summarizes it so aptly, that institutional cultures must evolve to offer environments where dignity, respect, fairness, and inclusion are not aspirations, but everyday realities for all workers.