The government has placed job creation at the core of its national development strategy, and these efforts are beginning to bear fruit, Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime has said.

Addressing the 113th International Labour Organization (ILO) Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, PS Mwadime emphasized that job creation is a central pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

He noted that the government has taken deliberate steps to stimulate employment across all sectors through an integrated approach combining investment in infrastructure, targeted incentives for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and expanded access to credit through the Hustler Fund, a flagship financial inclusion programme.

“For instance, the Affordable Housing Programme has created 244,232 additional jobs in the construction sector across the country,” said the PS.

He added that the theme of this year’s ILO report, “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection,” aligns closely with the Kenyan government’s focus under BETA, which seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth anchored in productive employment and social justice.

PS Mwadime, who was received at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva by ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo, reported that Kenya has accelerated the domestication of ratified ILO conventions into national legislation.

“These include recent amendments to the Employment Act, the Labour Institutions Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which have now been aligned with our legal framework and emerging decent work priorities,” he said.

He underscored the government’s recognition of climate change and its implications on the labour market as a key policy focus.

“Kenya is investing in green jobs through the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP), promoting circular economy principles and building adaptive capacity among workers through skilling for a just transition,” he explained.

The Principal Secretary commended the ILO for its steadfast commitment to promoting decent work amid global challenges such as economic uncertainty, inequality, and climate disruption.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms in Kenya’s labour inspection and compliance framework, noting significant strides made through digitization and the upskilling of inspection officers.

“We are proud to report increased coverage and improved compliance in both the formal and informal sectors, especially regarding occupational health and safety standards, social security registration and the elimination of child labour,” he said.

PS Mwadime was accompanied by Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo and Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli.