Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has made a passionate appeal for an end to sexual harassment in workplaces across Kenya, calling on managers to uphold dignity and respect in the professional environment.
Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, Mutua noted with concern the numerous complaints his ministry continues to receive regarding sexual misconduct, particularly involving managers and junior staff.
“I receive many reports in my office about sexual harassment in workplaces,” he stated. “When a young woman is hired as a supervisor, you should not start seducing her. A manager should not be dating a junior employee in the same office.”
Mutua urged business leaders and human resource officers to take responsibility for cultivating safe, respectful, and inclusive workspaces. He emphasized that such unethical behaviour undermines professional growth, employee morale, and overall productivity.
The CS praised Kenyan workers for their dedication and resilience, acknowledging their critical role in nation-building. “As we push for safe, fair, and inclusive workplaces, my ministry remains committed to protecting workers’ rights, expanding job opportunities, and fostering dignity in all forms of work, both locally and abroad,” he said.
Mutua also highlighted the government’s strides in creating more employment opportunities for Kenyans abroad, including efforts to curb exploitation by unscrupulous agents. “We have a program called ‘Kazi Mtandaoni,’ which you (President Ruto) have launched, and by 2022, we had approximately 2 million Kenyans working in digital-enabled jobs — and the numbers are growing,” he added.
Addressing broader societal issues, Mutua called for a national conversation on how social media is used. He challenged Kenyans to shift from spreading negativity online to building a more positive and supportive digital space.
“The labour sector is central to our country’s development,” Mutua concluded. “We must ensure it reflects the values of respect, fairness, and opportunity that every Kenyan deserves.”
His remarks come as Kenya continues to pursue transformative economic policies, with an emphasis on ethical leadership and social equity in the workplace.
