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.
ENDS:
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