Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a stern warning to Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) judges—protect the dignity of workers or risk betraying the very foundation of justice!
Speaking virtually at the opening of the annual ELRC Judges Conference in Nakuru, CJ Koome made it clear that the judiciary must not become a silent accomplice to worker exploitation. Instead, she directed judges to ensure that economic hardships do not become an excuse for unfair terminations and wage injustices.
“The ELRC is not just another court—it is the last hope for millions of workers battling exploitation, unfair dismissals, and corporate greed. It must remain a shield that defends dignity, fairness, and justice in the workplace,” she declared passionately.
The Battle Between Workers And Employers
The conference, themed ‘Insolvency, Labour Rights, and Technology,’ could not have been more timely. With businesses restructuring, automation replacing jobs, and digital platforms reshaping employment, Koome painted a stark picture of the crisis at hand.
She acknowledged the delicate balance between workers’ rights and employers’ need for survival, but warned:
“Yes, companies must stay afloat, but at what cost? We cannot allow profit-driven decisions to trample the basic rights of Kenyan workers!”
She called on the judiciary to actively engage in shaping policies that ensure workers’ dignity is not compromised in the name of economic viability.
CJ Koome did not stop at labour laws; she raised serious concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and gig work on employment rights. She warned that without proactive judicial intervention, Kenyan workers could soon find themselves powerless against faceless algorithms and digital exploitation.
“Technology should empower, not enslave! We must ensure that automation and the gig economy do not create a new class of invisible, disposable workers!”
To counteract this, Koome revealed that the Judiciary is rolling out transcription services and expanding virtual courts to ensure justice is accessible to all, especially those in remote and marginalized areas.
Government And Judiciary On High Alert
Backing CJ Koome’s fiery call, Labour and Social Protection CS Dr. Alfred Mutua hailed the ELRC’s role in ensuring swift justice, crediting the court with maintaining industrial peace and reinforcing fairness.
Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Director-General of the Kenya Judiciary Academy, issued a chilling warning to judges:
“We must remember—we are the guardians of justice! Objectivity, impartiality, and fairness must never be compromised.”
Meanwhile, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya stressed that labour courts must prepare for an increasingly digital workplace, acknowledging that new employment structures will bring new legal challenges.
The Fight For Justice Continues
With Kenya’s workforce facing turbulent times, CJ Koome’s rallying cry is clear: the Judiciary must take a stand, or risk becoming irrelevant in the fight for workers’ rights. The coming months will reveal whether the ELRC will rise to this challenge or bow to pressure from corporate Kenya.
