Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has urged employers to take a firm stand against sexual harassment, calling for safer and more respectful workplaces for all staff members.

During his address at the Labour Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, Mutua expressed concern over the growing number of harassment complaints received by his office. He warned that such unethical practices must come to an end saying there is need for safe working environments in the country.

“I often receive reports about sexual harassment at the workplace,” he noted, emphasizing that it’s time to stop turning a blind eye.

Mutua was particularly critical of inappropriate relationships between supervisors and junior staff. He called on managers to maintain professional boundaries and to avoid pursuing romantic advances toward newly hired employees.

“Sexual harassment in the workplace: ‘Mrembo akiandikwa, our sister, our children, our daughters, akiandikwa kazi, usianze kumpangia. Unaanza kumnyemelea, na akikukataa, unamfuta kazi, unaanza kumharass. We must ensure there is a safe working environment for our young girls and even boys.’ Mutua stated.

Apart from addressing workplace issues, the CS took time to commend Kenyan workers for their resilience and contribution to the country’s progress. He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, increasing employment opportunities, and promoting dignity in the workplace both locally and internationally.

Mutua also highlighted ongoing government efforts to secure jobs abroad while protecting workers from exploitation. He cited initiatives like Kazi Mtandaoni, which has already seen millions of Kenyans earning income through online platforms.

“We had around two million Kenyans in digital jobs by 2022, and that number continues to grow,” he said.

Mutua appealed for a shift in how Kenyans engage online, urging the public to use social media to uplift rather than tear each other down.

The CS said “We need to have a conversation about social media to see how we can redirect our energies from negativity to positivity, so that we don’t keep pulling each other down.”