Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

15/09/2026

PS MWADIME PLEDGES ACTION AS AEA BOSS SIELE RAISES AGRI-SECTOR JOB LOSSES

Agricultural Employers' Association (AEA) Chief Executive Officer Wesley Siele led a delegation to Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, tabling a memorandum on redundancies that have already hit over 1,000 workers across member companies, driven by the Middle East conflict, Red Sea shipping disruptions and rising freight costs. Central to the talks was the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which the delegation flagged as key to cushioning affected workers by formally certifying the skills and experience they have gained on the job, improving their prospects for redeployment or re-entry into the labour market even as some positions are lost.

PS Mwadime assured the delegation that the Ministry would take up their grievances, committing to represent the sector's concerns at the highest levels and to fast-track guidance on lawful alternative arrangements including unpaid leave, short-time working and temporary salary adjustments that companies are negotiating with trade unions to avoid permanent job cuts. He further pledged support in advancing RPL uptake within the sector as part of a wider strategy to safeguard livelihoods amid the external shocks battering agriculture, one of Kenya's largest foreign-exchange earners.

Siele welcomed the PS's commitment, expressing confidence that with the Ministry's backing, a significant share of the notified job losses could still be averted through timely, coordinated action between government, employers and unions.

15/09/2026

MWADIME CHAMPIONS COLLABORATIVE CHANGE IN LABOUR RELATIONS

Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening labour relations in Kenya, positioning his department at the centre of ongoing national conversations on workers' rights.

Speaking during a meeting with Lawrence Ochieng Nyaguti, the newly elected Secretary General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, Mwadime said the State Department for Labour and Skills Development was determined to play a leading role in shaping the country's labour agenda.

"We are actively working to enhance labour relations and ensure the Ministry is at the forefront of these conversations," Mwadime told Nyaguti, pointing to recent engagements with the judiciary aimed at fostering more collaborative approaches to resolving workplace disputes.

The Principal Secretary also called for a renewed focus on the Wages Council, arguing that many labour matters would be better resolved through the National Labour Board rather than the courts. "We must unite to develop practical solutions for the complexities of labour relations," he said, adding that any reforms must strike a careful balance between protecting workers' rights and safeguarding economic stability.

Mwadime further urged stakeholders to prioritise career guidance for young people, warning that many graduates face unemployment simply because they were never adequately advised on career paths. "Africa's greatest resource lies in its people," he said, calling for stronger mentorship structures to help the youth transition smoothly from education into meaningful employment.

For his part, Nyaguti welcomed the discussions, expressing optimism about deepening collaboration with the Labour State Department particularly in the area of workplace inspections, which he identified as a key priority for the union going forward.

The meeting was seen by both sides as a significant step toward building a more responsive and cooperative labour framework in Kenya, with Mwadime signalling his readiness to lead the process of reform.

14/09/2026

The State Department for Social Protection held a productive meeting with the UNICEF Kenya Social Policy team, led by Chief Dr. Gaby, to discuss key priorities for advancing social protection in Kenya.

The discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming Social Protection Conference, strengthening disability inclusion initiatives and referral mechanisms, and accelerating the implementation of the Social Protection Act and its regulations. The meeting also explored ways to strengthen reporting systems, citizen engagement, and strategic communication to enhance public awareness, accessibility, and understanding of social protection programmes across the country.

These efforts are essential to building an inclusive, equitable, and resilient social protection system that leaves no one behind while ensuring that more Kenyans are informed about and able to benefit from available social protection services.

We appreciate UNICEF's continued partnership and support in advancing the well-being, dignity, and resilience of vulnerable individuals and families across Kenya.

14/09/2026

PS State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Mr. Joseph M. Motari CBS, joined H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto C.G.H and other leaders at the Kenya Shipyards in Kisumu City for a Grassroots Leaders’ Meeting bringing together more than 10,000 leaders from Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties.

This was an important platform to listen to the priorities and aspirations of our communities and reflect on the progress made under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Government remains committed to inclusive development, economic transformation and ensuring that every region and every Kenyan benefits from the national development agenda.

We will continue working together to advance development that leaves no community and no one behind.

14/09/2026

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime Hosts Inspiring Discussion with Orthopedic Technology Network

This afternoon, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary' Shadrack Mwadime welcomed two remarkable representatives from the Orthopedic Technology Network to his office. They presented an innovative initiative titled "Youth Led Medical Professionals," aimed at enhancing prosthetic and orthopedic care across the country through knowledge, innovation, and community impact.

During the engaging discussion, Mwadime expressed his admiration for the representatives' passion and commitment to transforming the medical field. "It's wonderful to see young professionals taking such an initiative not only for themselves but for their entire community," he stated.

With the vision of "Together, we build, we empower, and we transform lives," the Orthopedic Technology Network is poised to make a significant impact in the sector. The community looks forward to the positive changes this initiative will bring, reflecting a promising future for youth in the medical profession.

14/09/2026

JUDICIARY, LABOUR OFFICIALS SEEK STRONGER COOPERATION TO RESOLVE WORKERS’ DISPUTES

The Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Lady Justice Monica Mbaru, and senior officials from the judicial sector today paid a courtesy call to the Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in labour relations.

The meeting, which was also attended by Labour Commissioner Madam Hellen Apiyo, came shortly after the conclusion of the nurses’ and airport workers’ strikes. It provided an opportunity for the officials to reflect on the causes and effects of industrial action and explore measures to prevent similar disputes in future.

The discussions focused on the respective roles of the judiciary, the Ministry of Labour, trade unions and Parliament in promoting harmonious relations between employers and employees. The officials also examined ways of ensuring that workers receive proper representation, can freely present their grievances and have timely access to justice.

Among the proposals considered was the possibility of establishing labour tribunal courts to improve the handling of employment related cases. The meeting further addressed challenges facing young people seeking employment, including exploitation by illegitimate enterprises, and the need for stronger safeguards in the labour market.

The engagement also highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between the judiciary and the Ministry of Labour in addressing both the immediate consequences and the underlying causes of strikes and other workplace disputes.

The officials pledged to continue working together to strengthen labour institutions, protect workers’ rights and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts in Kenya’s employment sector.

Those who accompanied Lady Justice were among others, senior members of the judicial sector.

12/09/2026

Kenya, US Firm Discuss Jobs for Healthcare Workers

Kenya is exploring opportunities for its healthcare professionals to access jobs in the United States following talks between the State Department for Labour and Skills Development and Health Carousel, a U.S.-based healthcare workforce solutions company.

The discussions focused on healthcare workforce development, international labour mobility, skills and training, professional licensing, ethical recruitment and worker protection.

The State Department highlighted Kenya’s pool of skilled healthcare professionals and the growing recognition of Kenyan talent in international labour markets. Officials also emphasised the importance of circular labour mobility, which enables Kenyans to gain international work experience and skills before returning to contribute to the country’s development.

Health Carousel shared its experience in recruiting, preparing and placing internationally educated healthcare professionals, with discussions focusing on ensuring Kenyan workers meet U.S. market requirements and receive support after arrival, including integration and professional development.

The State Department said continued engagement with Health Carousel and other stakeholders could translate into practical opportunities for job creation, skills development and improved livelihoods for Kenyans.

The consultations were led by Amb. Tom McDonald, Partner at Taft Law Firm, who headed the Health Carousel delegation, while the State Department for Labour and Skills Development team was represented by Mr. Mike Kimoko, Esq., Director, Administration, on behalf of the Principal Secretary. The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen healthcare workforce development and facilitate the international mobility of Kenyan healthcare professionals.

12/09/2026

DEEPENING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF BERLIN

Kenya's State Department for Labour and Skills Development, led by PS Shadrack Mwadime, paid a courtesy call on Sebastian Stietzel, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Berlin.

This engagement builds on Kenya-Germany labour mobility agreement signed in 2024 which has already opened opportunities for Kenyan job seekers in Germany.

Talks focused on aligning Kenyan training curricula with the German system, skills development, and recognition, and sharing of labour market information.

Both sides committed to deepening partnerships and collaboration with the various actors in promoting safe, regular and productive labour mobility.

12/09/2026

FOSTERING SKILLED LABOUR RECRUITMENT AND MOBILITY BETWEEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES AND GERMANY

The African Ambassadors Summit, a collaborative initiative by the 360 Alliance, the German Foundation, and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, convened on September 11, 2026, in Berlin. This summit brought together African ambassadors in Germany and various stakeholders to discuss critical issues surrounding skilled labour recruitment and labour mobility between African nations and Germany.

The fourth edition of the summit featured the participation of the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, represented by Principal Secretary Mr. Shadrack Mwadime, who delivered the keynote address. In his remarks, Mwadime highlighted Kenya's governance of labour migration and the initiatives aimed at enhancing labour mobility. He also underscored the significant progress made in implementing the skills mobility partnerships established between Kenya and Germany.

The main theme of this year's summit focused on practical implementation priorities, specifically addressing how to facilitate joint skilled labour migration from Africa to Germany. Key thematic areas of discussion included the creation of an enabling framework for labour mobility, pre-departure preparations and onboarding processes, recruitment and job matching strategies, visa procedures, skills recognition, and language and cultural orientation. Additionally, the summit addressed the administrative processes necessary for a smooth transition.

A central takeaway from the summit was the urgent need for enhanced coordination and a structured framework for post-arrival integration. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of aligning training programs with labour market needs and improving access to labour migration information. The role of the private sector in these initiatives was also highlighted as crucial for fostering successful labour mobility.

As discussions continue, the summit serves as a vital platform for strengthening partnerships and ensuring that skilled labour migration between African countries and Germany is mutually beneficial, paving the way for economic growth and development on both continents.

12/09/2026

Inua Jamii is transforming lives and restoring dignity by providing regular financial support to older persons and persons with severe disabilities. Watch Citizen TV’s feature highlighting the programme’s impact on vulnerable Kenyans.

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