A SYNOPSIS OF TRADE UNIONS’ LEGAL ENVIRONMENT IN KENYA
Sr No:
Page No:
1-9
Language:
English
Authors:
Nyongesa, Godfrey*
Received:
2026-03-02
Accepted:
2026-04-06
Published Date:
2026-04-16
Abstract:
Trade unions are critical in championing for better work conditions and workers welfare at the workplace. They fight for
good pay and dignified working conditions, reduce discrimination in the workplace, advance employment levels and giving advic e and
counselling to members under various circumstances that they undergo. To achieve this, they have to operate within an established
legal framework which has transformed over time from the period the country was a British colony all the way to attainment of
independence and to date. Efforts have been made to improve the laws governing workers unions in Kenya, but still a lot needs to be
done in terms of ensuring adherence and compliance to the rule of law, observance of constitutionalism and enforcement of the same.
This article stresses the role of the legal system and government support in overcoming challenges emanating from weak laws, nonadherence, and disregard of the existing laws. We recommend that the legal framework requires some redefining and amendments to
address some lacuna in the labour laws and that the existing laws be aligned with Kenya Constitution 2010 to streamline effe ctive
running of trade unions. We recommend also for the inclusion of technology based initiatives in overcoming unforeseen la bour
situations that created serious challenges that were experienced during the covid -19 pandemic. We conclude that despite efforts to
improve laws governing the labour movement in the country there is need to reassess and revamp the legal framework which is still
weak to create a level playing ground for players in the labour movement.
Keywords:
Trade Unions, Legal Environment, Working Conditions, Tripartism, Labour Laws.