The government is considering a major shift in labour laws that could extend workplace protections into private homes, following calls by labour unions and government officials to ensure alignment with international conventions that safeguard the rights of domestic workers
During a public consultation forum in Kakamega on December 18, 2025, stakeholders collectively agreed that the labour laws currently in effect across the country leave domestic workers exposed to long working hours, exploitation, poor pay, and limited access to justice services.
Officials from labour unions and the government in attendance advocated for the ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions 189 and 190.
ILO's Convention 189 aims to recognize domestic workers as formal employees, while Convention 190 protects these employees from exploitation.
According to Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo, domestic workers are often excluded from labour inspection services because of the private nature of the homes in which they work.
“Once ratified, we will be able to fully apply provisions within the conventions that allow for inspection services in support of domestic work,” Apiyo alleged.
Felistas Amoche of Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) backed the move, noting that many domestic workers lack formal contracts clearly outlining their working hours and responsibilities.
“They suffer long working hours without clear agreements. As such, we are advocating for the ratification of ILO’s Convention 189 to protect workers in the domestic sector,” emphasized Amoche.
Additionally, Joyce Wafukho, the Director of Gender in Kakamega County, argued that the voices of domestic workers are rarely heard, but noted that the public consultation forum would increase awareness regarding the labour rights of house-helps in Kakamega’s 12 sub-counties.
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Domestic workers also attended the forum and shared their experiences performing domestic work. One Kakamega-based domestic worker shared how her employer often added extra tasks after the agreed-upon household tasks had already been completed.
“You finish the work you agreed on, then they come and add more tasks that were never in the initial job description,” said the domestic worker.
Another Kakamega-based househelp argued that wages remain extremely low, despite some households being large and demanding significantly more labor.
If ratified, the ILO Conventions 189 and 190 would bring domestic work under formal labour protections and redefine the employer-domestic worker relationship in Kenyan households.
