Kenya: UN experts urge government and business to uphold human rights
GENEVA/NAIROBI (11 July 2018) – The United Nations Working Group on business and human rights is urging the authorities
in Kenya to turn ideals set out in the 2010 national constitution into action that ensures businesses respect human
rights.
“Kenya has the advantage of a solid legal framework for action, and the Government must first of all step up efforts to
‘walk the talk’ to translate existing legislation into practice,” said Anita Ramasastry, chairperson of the Working
Group.
During the visit, the experts met representatives of Government, business, and civil society to discuss opportunities and challenges
presented by the State’s commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
“We have been appalled to hear about the harsh working conditions of plantation workers, often paid below the minimum
wage, and to witness the hardship and devastation caused by a preventable dam breach in Solai, Nakuru. We have also been
very concerned by lead contamination in the Owino Uhuro settlement in Mombasa,” said Michael K. Addo, the other member
of the visiting expert group.
“In all of these instances, it is the poorest and most vulnerable members of society who are most exposed and affected,”
he added.
In a statement at the end of their 10-day visit, the experts noted that the challenges ahead would require concrete action by both
national and county governments, including steps to ensure meaningful consultation and transparency in the assessment of
environmental and social impacts of business projects.
The experts also encouraged the government to move forward with regulations relating to registration of community land
and other efforts to provide clarity on land rights and certainty for communities and the private sector.
“We welcome the commitment of the Government to develop a National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights to
address gaps and shortcomings in current practice, and we hope that our preliminary observations will help this
process,” Ms Ramasastry concluded.
The Working Group’s final report, including findings and key recommendations, will be presented to the UN Human Rights
Council in June 2019.
ENDS