Unlike many other industries, domestic work is a female-dominated sector. It falls under informal employment which, according to a 2019 economic survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, encompasses a whopping 15 million Kenyans. Other workers in this sector include street vendors, cleaners, and beauticians.
Although there are so many citizens who work in this sector, the value they contribute to the economy often goes unappreciated. Domestic workers are entrusted with peoples’ homes and children, and the work they do enables others to manage their own workloads. Why is it then, that they remain invisible, with their issues continuously being ignored?
Ruth Khakame, the Chairperson of the National Domestic Workers Council, is dedicated to highlighting the plight of both local and migrant domestic workers. She represents women in the informal sector and guides them in lobbying for their rights. Her passion to this mission came from her first-hand experience as a domestic worker.
Growing up with limited opportunities
Ruth was born and raised in Kibera, one of the poorest divisions in Nairobi. Her father was the sole breadwinner, and he took casual jobs to provide for the family. Growing up in poverty was tough, but Ruth and her siblings were hopeful that one day things would work out.
An avid scholar, Ruth excelled in both primary and high school, gaining admission to study Nursing at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Unfortunately, her family was unable to raise the 60,000 Kenyan shillings for the fees, and Ruth couldn’t enrol. Remaining focused, she took up volunteering to try and help others who were vulnerable.
Although Ruth enjoyed her work, it was not sustainable; she needed an income to supplement her fathers’ efforts. With all this in mind she took up a role as a domestic worker at the age of 20. All the while, she hoped that her job would also help her find her way into school.
An introduction to the world of workers’ unions
Ruth’s journey to becoming a trade union leader began one afternoon when a Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) organiser invited her to attend training sessions.
When she attended the first session, Ruth found it very informative, so she decided to keep going. After a while, the union announced that they needed new leaders. The more established members of the group who had noticed Ruth’s dedication nominated her to be the secretary. This was her entry into leadership.
Ruth was later promoted in 2015 when members of the National Domestic Workers Council lobbied to have her as their representative. In 2016, KUDHEIHA decided to bring the leader of the domestic workers on board as a full-time employee. That was the turning point for Ruth, and her transition into being a full-time organiser.
Settling into the role
Ruth’s work came with an unprecedented amount of responsibility. It involved interacting with domestic workers and referring them to the appropriate officers (advisory, legal, or otherwise). It also involved articulating their issues at local, national, regional, and international meetings. She regarded each day as a learning opportunity and realised that the work was empowering as it grew her skills and knowledge.
Over the years, Ruth saw the impact of the work they were doing. They were informing vulnerable women of their rights and teaching them how to negotiate for better working conditions. The Council also established a mentorship programme where the women support their colleagues by mediating and arbitrating their issues before escalating them.
Achieving her dream
Keeping her dream alive, Ruth pursued a university degree. She opted for a part-time degree in sociology to deepen her understanding of the issues marginalised people face. In 2018, she enrolled for the degree at Moi University and had graduated by early 2023 with a distinction.
With a much clearer understanding of the field, Ruth hopes to bring about even more change. She campaigns for Kenya to implement Convention 189: The Convention for domestic workers – a convention adopted in 2011 and advocates for decent working conditions but is yet to take effect in the country. She also envisions a future where domestic work is formalised and regulated through credible bureaus, and bilateral agreements with other countries exist to protect migrant workers.
Ruth leaves us contemplating whether poverty can be eradicates if we don’t lift the life of domestic workers.
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