KEPSA through the Ajira Digital Program yesterday participated in the Safe and Decent Work Conference organized by Sustainable Business Consulting to discuss how the world of work is constantly evolving as a result of the macro and micro global factors forcing the rethinking of decent work and economic development. The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping the future of work and encouraging sustainable enterprises.

The Conference was attended by different key players including Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Director Ajira Digital and Youth Employment at KEPSA; Vanessa Adams, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Chief AGRA; Dr. Hesbon Omollo, Director at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority; and Gladys Kivati, CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting among other private sector organizations and development partners.

The conversation on safe and decent work is such an urgent requirement with less than seven years to the set goals of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The forum focused on the dynamics of the workforce and work that sustains individuals, enriches communities, and prosperity for generations to come. The discussion covered grounds on MSMEs as drivers of innovation and employment, future of work, green jobs for creating masterpieces for sustainable development, policies and regulations for decent work, gender equity and inclusion for decent work as well as tools supporting adoption of safe and decent work practices.

Here are some key takeout from the conference:

“As we embark on the collective exploration of safe, fair, and decent work, I am reminded of the timeless wisdom in a Chinese proverb that says that if you want one year of prosperity, grow grain, if you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees, but if you want a lifetime of prosperity, grow people. Exploring innovative solutions becomes imperative in our rapidly changing world where innovation is not a choice but a necessity. Let us identify actionable strategies to empower MSMEs, allowing them to play an even more substantial role in shaping the future of work. Additionally, let us embrace the transformative forces of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and shifting global dynamics that are reshaping the landscape of work, challenging traditional norms, and demanding adaptive responses. Automation streamlines processes, AI introduces intelligent decision-making, and the interconnected world brings about new forms of collaboration.” – Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Director Ajira Digital and Youth Employment at KEPSA.

“Safe and decent work means creating a change in processes including the supply chains. For example, the case where a cat feeds company was not paying attention to the fishermen that were providing fish which is one of the ingredients of the feeds, and allowing them to live in very indecent conditions and pay has a ripple effect both to the livelihood of these fishermen as well as their contribution to the economy. We, therefore, need to always review our policies and regulations while at the same time setting our organization's norms and values with global standards that guard safe and decent workspaces, workers, and work. As consumers and the society, we have a lot to say about the working conditions of the workers within a supply chain.” - Vanessa Adams, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Chief of Party at AGRA

“The big question is on efforts we need to put to create a safe space for employees, entrepreneurs, and suppliers. The Safe and Decent Work initiative started three years ago and has been hosting such conversations that help advance SDG 8 on decent work and economic development. It is then a request to all participants and players in employment and provision of work to enhance this conversation and disseminate it further which will eventually champion safe, fair and decent work for all.” – Gladys Kivati, CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting.

“Even the smallest of the smallest like the MSMEs can make a difference in championing safe and decent work. They need to review and ensure measures such as structures that promote conversations amongst their employees to express their ideas and innovations, have strategies that help mitigate stress and promote emotional safety, education platforms on safety laws, conduct regular safety training, and encourage transparent communication among such goals and strategies. There is a need for organizations to celebrate failures so that they are able to identify the existing gaps within the organization and the work-life balance.” – Dr. Hesbon Omollo, Director at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority

Recognizing that the challenges currently faced extend beyond the capacity of any single entity, collaboration then becomes a fundamental strategy for success. Employers, employees, government agencies, trade unions, and civil society organizations need to unite to forge a future where decent work is the norm, not the exception. This collective effort ensures that the workplace becomes a space where individuals can thrive, policies are visionary and adaptive, and the principles of decent work extend beyond the workplace to contribute to the overall well-being of communities.