Kenya’s Ministry of labour forms Employment Response Team to mitigate the effects of Covid-19

                                 
 Kenya's Cabinet Secretary of Labour Simon Chelugui addresses the press in Kisumu today where he hinted that the Government has formed a labour and employment response team to receive proposals for mitigating the effects of Covid-19-Photo By Dickson Odhiambo

By Dickson Odhiambo

June 18, 2020

Kenya’s Ministry of labour forms Employment Response Team to mitigate the effects of Covid-19

THE Kenyan Government has formed a labour and employment response team to receive and consolidate proposals for mitigating the effects of covid-19 pandemic from government, social partners, stakeholders and members of the public.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Simon Chelugui says a toll-free line and a dedicated email address have been established to enhance reporting and resolution of employment and labour related complaints.

Addressing the press in Kisumu today, the Labour Cabinet Secretary said the ministry through the directorate of occupational safety and health is putting in place measures to safeguard the effect of covid-19 pandemic at the workplace.

“Towards this, an advisory was sent out on 14th march, 2020 on mitigating the spread of covid-19 at workplace and another one issued on 20th April, 2020 to mitigate persons with disabilities from the effect of covid-19 at workplace,” he says.

He says measures are being put in place to sensitize workers on the covid-19 infections and protection, through training occupational safety and health committees at workplaces and carrying out surveillance of workplaces for compliance with OSH and government directives on COVID-19.

He says towards protection of workers directly affected through death and disability by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry proposes the establishment of the occupational diseases fund.

“In addition, the draft occupational safety and health and safety bill 2020 and the work injury compensation bill 2020 have been finalized and are with the national treasury awaiting submission to cabinet for approval before forwarding the same to parliament for debate and enactment,” Chelugui adds.

He adds that already communication has been sent out on nomination of occupational safety and health champions in the public sector workplaces within the Country.

Chelugui adds that the officers will be trained by approved occupational safety and health trainers to ensure they are competent to deal with issues of safety and health in their workplaces.

“In conclusion, let me assure NITA of My Ministry’s unwavering support going forward in these and more innovations as we play our role in effectively managing the consequences of this Corona virus countrywide,” the Cabinet Secretary further says.

He urges the workers across the country to continue adhering to the guidelines as outlined by the national emergency response committee as we work together towards flattening the curve.

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