The Senate has been urged to step in following alarming reports of worker deaths and unsafe conditions at the Bomas Conference Construction Site. Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki highlighted serious safety concerns after construction workers staged a protest, claiming that seven colleagues have died since the project began.
Workers allege frequent injuries due to lack of protective gear and inadequate emergency response. The senator wants a full audit of safety compliance, labour practices, and oversight by both contractors and government agencies to protect workers’ welfare.
Senate Moves to Investigate Safety Standards at Bomas of Kenya International Conference Complex Site
Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki raised the alarm over dangerous working conditions at the Bomas of Kenya International Conference Complex site, calling it a national concern. On March 25, he met with the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, demanding a detailed report on safety practices, worker welfare, and compliance with occupational safety regulations.
“The safety and welfare of workers must be guaranteed. Concerns raised by workers and the public cannot be ignored,” Seki said, emphasizing that the project must adhere strictly to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
The call comes after workers staged a protest on March 16, closing Langata Road to demand accountability following the death of a colleague.
Worker Deaths and Protests Highlight Neglect
Workers at the Bomas of Kenya International Conference Complex site report at least seven deaths since construction began. They also claim frequent injuries caused by missing or insufficient personal protective equipment. The March 16 protest amplified their frustration, as workers accused the contractor of ignoring repeated safety warnings.
“The lack of safety gear and emergency preparedness puts every worker at risk,” said one worker who spoke anonymously. The protest forced authorities to address safety concerns publicly, but the response has so far been limited.
Senator Seki stressed that this pattern of neglect raises questions about overall project management and accountability.
Senate Demands Full Safety and Labour Audit
Seki has asked the Standing Committee to examine whether contractors comply with labour laws, provide adequate protective equipment, and maintain effective first aid and emergency systems. He also wants a review of employment terms, including contracts, wages, and working hours.
The committee must determine if the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has enforced statutory protections and monitored compliance. Any gaps in oversight could expose systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s labour enforcement framework.
The senator insists that a full audit will clarify whether the Bomas Conference Construction Site is prioritizing worker safety or cutting corners in pursuit of project deadlines.
Urgent Oversight Needed Before Project Completion
President William Ruto has announced that the Bomas of Kenya International Conference Complex will be completed by April 2026, aiming to replace the aging Kenyatta International Conference Centre. Seki warns that rushing the project without addressing safety lapses will put more lives at risk.
The Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare is expected to deliver a comprehensive report detailing workplace accidents, safety measures, and government oversight. This report will be critical to holding contractors accountable and ensuring workers are protected as construction continues.
Failure to act, Seki says, could set a dangerous precedent for other large-scale construction projects in Kenya, undermining both safety standards and public trust.
The situation at the Bomas of Kenya International Conference Complex Site underscores an urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of safety laws. With multiple deaths reported and workers protesting unsafe conditions, the Senate now faces a critical test. Ensuring compliance with labour regulations and occupational safety standards could save lives and prevent the project from becoming a national scandal.
