Senate urges swift passage of Africa-wide Labour Migration Bill

Senate Chamber
Tuesday, 15th July 2025

Nominated Senator Prof. Margaret Kamar has implored Parliament to fast-track a continental labour-migration law, warning that Kenya risks “falling behind in protecting our own abroad.”

While rising at the Floor of the House to seek a statement, Prof. Kamar said Kenya must ratify the Draft Model Law on Labour Migration in Africa “without delay.” The Bill, refined during a Pan-African consultation held here from 16–18th June, is due before the African Union Legislative Council next month.

“Our migrant workers, many of whom serve in precarious environments, deserve a law that protects them comprehensively,” she declared. “Fast-tracking this Bill will not only safeguard Kenyan workers overseas but also reaffirm our leadership in the African integration agenda.”

The three-day Nairobi meeting, convened by the Pan-African Parliament and supported by the ILO and IOM, brought together 55 AU member states. Delegates agreed on fair-recruitment clauses, gender-responsive policies and full alignment with International Labour Standards.

Prof. Kamar called on the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to “lead this House in crafting an inclusive and forward-looking migration framework.”

Sen. Danson Mungatana, who headed Kenya’s delegation, echoed the urgency: “We must protect the dignity of migrant workers while positioning labour migration as a driver of socio-economic development.”