Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Alfred Mutua, has spoken strongly against sexual harassment in workplaces, calling it the biggest challenge workers face today.
Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, CS Mutua said the government will take action to address the issue.
"I get a lot of reports in my office about sexual harassment in workplaces. I want to tell every Kenyan that when a lady is employed, do not harass her,” he said.
He criticised bosses who harass women at work and then fire them when they refuse to give in to their demands.
Mutua said that he has received several complaints about harassment, adding that it is time to protect all workers, both women and men
“We must ensure that there is a safe work environment for our girls and even the boys. That power dynamic is what we are talking about,” he said.
Mutua also warned managers against dating junior staff in the same office, saying it creates an unfair power imbalance.
“A manager should not be dating a junior in the same office because of the power dynamics. We will not continue with this habit and will take measures to ensure that there is no sexual harassment in our workplaces,” he added.
Sexual harassment in Kenya is considered a violation of the right to dignity, security, and fair treatment in the workplace.
Article 41 of the Constitution of Kenya provides for fair labour practices and the right to reasonable working conditions.
The Employment Act, 2007, Section 6, defines and prohibits sexual harassment. The policy is designed to regulate employee behaviour and prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
The Act also empowers employers to terminate employees for misconduct, including sexual harassment.
