Labor Issues in Kenya

Kenya is a middle-income East African country. The Verite report on Kenya summarizes the socio-economic and political issues affecting Kenya. It is East Africa’s trade hub with a large agricultural sector. However, most people live in multidimensional poverty and unemployment (Verite, 2015).

The country allows freedom of association for workers to form unions apart from a few civil servants but lacks definite frameworks to address their issues (Verite, 2015). However, worker’s rights and civil liberties are not properly enforced (Verite, 2015). Existing regulations about minimum wage, working hours, and work safety are commonly contravened by employers (Verite, 2015).

Workers also face discrimination based on gender and nationality, especially migrant workers. Forced labor is moderate, but there are no laws against violations. Child labor is rampant, especially in agriculture, mining, and fishing (Verite, 2015). Labor violations such as child labor and forced labor are common in the tea, coffee, and apparel industries.

Unfortunately, most of the economy is kept together through violation of labor regulations to keep workers on their jobs. Produce from agriculture depends on exposing workers to occupational hazards, discrimination, and child labor. It is easy to underestimate the impact these environments have on the workers. Some probably acquire injuries, illnesses, or die, besides facing the effects of poverty. Strategies are required to ensure employers remain accountable to their employees.

Addressing these issues will require labor diplomacy to encourage the adoption and enforcement of favorable labor policies and regulations. State departments can partner with private labor organizations and non-governmental entities to increase the number of labor violation watchdogs for abuses such as child labor and occupational hazards. Companies should also be compelled to avail compulsory corporate social responsibility disclosures for evaluation.

References

Verite. (2015). Knowledge Portal. Verite. http://knowledge.verite.org/#/map

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Labor Issues in Kenya

Discussion Post: Review Verite Report on a country

Discussion Prompt: Ethics in Action – CSR

Verite is an independent, non-profit research organization that examines the working conditions of people around the world. Go to the Resources tab on the Verite website and select the Knowledge Portal under the Tools section. Select a country that is of interest to you and review the Verite report on that country (ensure that there is a report for the country you have selected).

Labor Issues in Kenya

After reviewing this report, develop and post a clear and concise initial post (maximum of 250-300 words) that outlines the major problems listed in the report and provides recommendations for addressing these problems based on your understanding of your corporate social responsibility and a biblical worldview.

Please complete the following before this session:

Reading and Viewing Assignments

Readings:

• Stanwick, P., & Stanwick, S. (2016). Understanding business ethics (3rd ed.).
  • Chapter 1: The Foundation of Ethical Thought (pp. 15-18)
  • Chapter 3: Stakeholders and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Chapter 8: Ethics and the Environment (review)
  • Chapter 11: Ethical Issues in the Developing World (review)
• Sire, J. W. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog (5th ed.).
  • Chapter 9: A Vanished Horizon
  • Chapter 10: A View from the Middle East
  • Chapter 11: The Examined Life