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Professional intercultural business handshake representing employment contracts and labour relations legal services
Practice Area

Protecting Employers, Empowering Employees — Legally and Fairly

Our Employment & Labour Relations team advises both employers and employees on compliance, fairness, and dispute resolution under Kenya's evolving labour laws. Whether you're drafting contracts, managing termination, or facing a claim at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, we deliver practical, lawful, and timely solutions.

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Our Employment & Labour Law Services

We offer comprehensive legal and advisory services covering the entire employment lifecycle — from recruitment to exit — ensuring that every step aligns with the Employment Act, 2007, the Labour Relations Act, 2007, and related Kenyan regulations.

Core Practice Areas:

Employment Contracts & Policies

Drafting and reviewing employment agreements, HR manuals, and workplace policies.

Termination & Redundancy Management

Advising on lawful dismissals, redundancy processes, and notice requirements.

Disciplinary & Grievance Procedures

Guiding HR departments through investigations, hearings, and compliance documentation.

Employee Benefits & Compensation

Structuring benefits, bonuses, and salary disputes in line with labour laws.

Workplace Disputes & Litigation

Representing clients before the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) and labour tribunals.

Collective Bargaining & Union Relations

Negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and managing industrial action.

Health & Safety Compliance

Advising employers on obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), 2007.

Employment Due Diligence

Reviewing HR practices during mergers, acquisitions, and organizational restructuring.

Employment Law in the Kenyan Context

Kenya's labour environment is governed by a robust legal framework balancing the rights of both employers and employees. Key instruments include:

  • Employment Act, 2007 — the principal law on employment contracts, wages, and termination.
  • Labour Relations Act, 2007 — governs trade unions and collective bargaining.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) — regulates workplace safety standards.
  • Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) — covers compensation for workplace injuries.

Our firm ensures compliance with these laws while minimizing operational disruption and reputational exposure.

Termination & Redundancy Procedures

Termination of employment must be both procedurally and substantively fair under Section 45 of the Employment Act. We help clients:

Document valid reasons

for termination

Follow due process

(notice, hearing, and written communication)

Manage redundancy fairly

including notifying the Labour Office and compensating affected employees

Failure to comply exposes companies to costly litigation and reputational damage — our legal team mitigates that risk.

Employment Litigation & Dispute Resolution

When disputes arise, we represent clients before the Employment and Labour Relations Court in cases involving:

Wrongful or unfair termination
Discrimination and harassment
Breach of contract or non-payment of dues
Employee misconduct or whistleblower retaliation

We emphasize conciliation and mediation before litigation, preserving relationships while ensuring justice and compliance.

How We Serve Our Clients

For Employers:

  • Develop airtight contracts and policies.
  • Conduct lawful disciplinary actions.
  • Comply with KRA, NSSF, NHIF, and HELB obligations.
  • Minimize disputes through preventive HR audits.

For Employees:

  • Get legal advice before signing or terminating employment.
  • Understand your rights regarding notice, redundancy, and benefits.
  • Pursue fair remedies through amicable or judicial means.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can an employer terminate employment without notice?

Only for gross misconduct, as defined in Section 44 of the Employment Act. Otherwise, notice or payment in lieu is required.

Q2: How is redundancy different from termination?

Redundancy occurs when a job position ceases to exist, requiring formal notification and severance payment.

Q3: What is the role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court?

It adjudicates all employment-related disputes, ensuring fairness in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya (Article 41).

Q4: Are probationary employees protected under the Act?

Yes — they enjoy basic protections, though termination procedures are slightly less stringent.

Q5: What are the penalties for non-compliance with labour laws?

Penalties include fines, damages, and possible reinstatement orders from the ELRC.

Secure Your Workplace, Protect Your Rights

Whether you're an employer or employee, our legal team ensures compliance, fairness, and peace of mind in all labour matters.

Talk to an Employment Law Specialist