The government is in the process of reviewing the current labour laws to align them with emerging issues in the world of work, with an aim of advancing social justice for all.
Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime said the government recognises promotion and protection of human rights and labour rights as indispensable pillars for sustainable development.
He stated that this should not be treated as a privilege but a universal entitlement inherent to every individual by virtue of their humanity.
Drawing a parallel between human rights and economic development, the PS observed that "human rights are enablers of sustainable development as they ensure development is inclusive, participatory, and equitable."
Mwadime made the remarks when he addressed the Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the ongoing International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference was convened under the theme "Human Rights Economy"
The PS regretted that despite significant progress globally, the world of work continues to witness persistent violations in the form of exploitative labour practices, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and exclusion of vulnerable groups from decent work.
"Such challenges undermine social cohesion and economic prosperity," Mwadime told the meeting.
Kenya, he reported, has joined Alliance 8.7 as a pathfinder country to advance efforts toward the elimination of child labour.
"We have developed a 'Kenya Alliance 8.7 Road Map (2025-2030)', which is a national strategic plan to accelerate the fight against forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and modern slavery in Kenya," he said.
Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who is also attending the meeting, said social justice is an imperative and essential tool for economic growth and peace and stability.
He said, "Adopting and implementing a renewed Social Contract would make sure that workers’ rights are respected, social dialogue becomes the norm in these times of multiple transitions, jobs are decent with minimum living wages and collective bargaining, social protection is enforced."
