The University of Nairobi, in partnership with the Judiciary of Kenya, hosted the 2nd Employment and Labour Relations Annual Symposium and Exhibition (ELRASE - 2) on September 16, 2024, This year's event, themed “The Role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Fostering the Right to a World of Work Free from Violence and Harassment,” gathered leading stakeholders from the judiciary, government, labor organizations, and academia to delve into one of the most critical issues of the modern workplace: the elimination of violence and harassment.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, emphasized the importance of the symposium in promoting social justice through better access to fair labor practices. Her remarks, read on her behalf by Prof. Winfred Kamau, Dean of the Faculty of Law, highlighted the University’s commitment to contributing to this dialogue by integrating academic research and practical solutions into the broader framework of labor relations. “Work is not merely a means of earning a living; it is a fundamental prerequisite for economic stability and survival, not only for individuals but also for their families and communities,” Prof. Hutchinson’s message stated..”
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome, who emphasized the vital role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in upholding workers' rights. She remarked, “The workplace should be a sanctuary for productivity, not a breeding ground for harassment or violence. Our courts must champion the rights enshrined in our constitution and international conventions, ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and respect.”
A central focus of the symposium was the implementation of ILO Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the world of work. Both the judiciary and the University of Nairobi reiterated their commitment to mainstreaming the provisions of this groundbreaking convention into national policy and practice. Prof. Hutchinson reaffirmed the University’s dedication to this cause, noting that it is the only learning institution in Kenya with a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Recovery and Resource Center.
The symposium provided a platform for legal experts, labor unions, employers, and policymakers to discuss the various legal frameworks and policies required to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace. In her speech, Chief Justice Koome urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to action, stating, “Eliminating workplace violence and harassment is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative. Together, we must ensure the ratification and implementation of ILO Convention No. 190 across all sectors.”
As a leading institution of higher learning, the University of Nairobi plays a proactive role in fostering a work environment free from violence and harassment. The Vice Chancellors speech outlined several initiatives the University has undertaken, including the implementation of a comprehensive Harassment Prevention and Procedure Policy. This policy provides an anonymous reporting system and a structured approach to addressing complaints through fair hearings and remedial actions. Furthermore, the University conducts regular sensitization campaigns aimed at raising awareness among all stakeholders about the importance of a safe and harassment-free workplace.
Prof. Winfred also highlighted the Faculty of Law’s ongoing legal outreach, which includes pro bono legal assistance through initiatives like Legal Aid Days. “We collaborate closely with staff unions and ensure that complaints are addressed promptly and effectively,” she added, stressing the importance of continued academic contribution to this issue.
As the symposium came to a close, participants were united in their commitment to furthering the rights of workers through legal frameworks and policies aimed at eliminating violence and harassment. Chief Justice Koome’s parting words served as a rallying call: “We must seize this moment, not just to reflect on the issues at hand, but to act decisively in creating a world of work that respects every individual’s dignity.”
The 2nd Employment and Labour Relations Annual Symposium and Exhibition stands as a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to shaping a future where dignity, respect, and fairness are the hallmarks of every workplace.
