Mitigating HIV/AIDS in workplaces

To conduct staff sensitization workshops, sub- VCT services and mobile cinema shows.

HIV/AIDS is one of the contributors of low productivity and high labour costs in Kenya. It is reported that the national adult HIV/AIDS prevalence reduced from 10 per cent in 2004/2005 to 5.1 percent in 2005/2006. The youth are the most affected. Prevalence continues to be high amongst the active labour force with adverse impact on the operations of many companies in Kenya, their employees, and households. It threatens to drag the country’s competitiveness. The trade unions, employers’ organisations and the MLHRD have crucial role in ensuring that employees have domesticated/implemented the HIV/AIDS workplace policy. Areas that need addressing include discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS, establishing of Voluntary Counselling and Testing of HIV at workplace, proper referrals for employees testing HIV positive, and workload and sick leave for sick workers.

The Post 2007 Elections crisis, caused turbulence in the labour market. Some workers lost their lives and/or their close relatives, others sustained injuries of varying degrees while a similarly large number of workers and their families were displaced and lost means of livelihood. In addition, property of considerable value has been destroyed. This has impacted negatively on productivity and competitiveness nationally and globally.