Kenya Judiciary to Examine Legal Protection for Kenyans Seeking Jobs Abroad

Kenya’s Judiciary is today hosting a webinar on the legal protections available to Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), in partnership with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs and other stakeholders, is holding a two-hour webinar titled “Labour Mobility and Access to Justice: The Legal Framework.” The session will run from 2pm to 4pm on Microsoft Teams.

The webinar will examine issues including recruitment, employment contracts, workers’ rights and dispute resolution in the context of international labour migration.

Presiding Judge of the Nakuru ELRC, Lady Justice Anna Mwaure, will moderate the discussion. 

Irene Kashindi, an Advocate of the High Court and member of the International Labour Organization’s Committee of Experts, will deliver the keynote presentation, drawing on her experience in arbitration and international labour standards. The panel includes representatives from employers, academia and the labour movement.

Dickens Ouma of the Federation of Kenya Employers will present the employers’ perspective, while Dr Elizabeth Muli of the University of Nairobi and trade unionist Teresa Kweyu Wabuko will address academic and workers’ rights issues. The panellists will discuss the responsibilities of employers, trade unions and regulators in promoting ethical and transparent labour mobility.

The webinar comes as increasing numbers of Kenyans seek employment overseas, while concerns persist over fraudulent recruitment, exploitative employment contracts and difficulties accessing justice across borders. The Judiciary says stronger institutional and legal frameworks are needed to protect migrant workers and ensure they receive fair treatment in foreign jurisdictions.

The event will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the Fourth Annual Symposium and Exhibition (ELRASE V), scheduled for 15 to 17 September. The webinar is expected to bring together workers, employers, trade unions, lawyers, students and recruitment stakeholders.