Employment
The Employment Act 2023 replaced the colonial-era Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act
The Employment Act 2023 is a comprehensive modern statute replacing the 1971 framework. It codifies written contracts, hours, leave, termination for valid reason, redundancy consultation, anti-discrimination and maternity protection, and it strengthened the labour inspectorate.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — Ministry of Employment and Labour conciliation; Industrial Court and High Court for adjudication.
Governing law
- Employment Act, 2023 — Replaced the 1971 Act; valid-reason termination; anti-discrimination; redundancy consultation.
- National Social Security and Insurance Trust Act, 2001 — Contributory pension scheme.
In practice
For half a century employment relations were governed by the Regulation of Wages and Industrial Relations Act 1971 and the Employers and Employed Act, both dated and narrow. The Employment Act 2023 consolidates and modernises: it requires written contracts for engagements beyond a short threshold, regulates working hours and rest, mandates paid annual and sick leave, provides maternity leave, prohibits discrimination on listed grounds including sex, disability and HIV status, requires a valid reason and fair procedure for termination, and imposes consultation and severance obligations on redundancy. It also raises the minimum working age and tightens child labour rules consistent with the Child Rights Act 2007. Collective relations run through registered trade unions with the Ministry of Employment mediating; the National Social Security and Insurance Trust administers contributory pensions under the NASSIT Act 2001.