Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Kenya (Ratification: 1979)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments. The Committee informs the Government that, if it has not supplied replies to the points raised by 1 September 2022, then it may proceed with the examination of the application of the Convention on the basis of the information at its disposal at its next session.

Repetition

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that, under the Decent Work Country Programme, young women and men have acquired entrepreneurial skills as well as business start-up skills. The Committee understands that the development of a national integrated human resources development strategy, one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Vision 2030, consists of the development of a human resources strategy to align the supply and demand for human resources with the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the programmes and measures taken to promote skills. It also asks the Government to provide detailed information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Labour Board, through the National Manpower Development Committee, contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

Article 1(5). Equality of opportunity. The Committee takes note of the introduction by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) of a performance monitoring tool for the public sector, including the access to training opportunities. The NGEC is working with key members of the private sector, in order to determine how a similar tool could be adopted to ensure compliance with the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in the private sector. Moreover, the Government’s report under the Paid Education Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), received in September 2013, refers to certain programmes currently in the course of implementation, namely the Youth Employment Facility initiative, the Cobblestone Work Project, and the Youth Employment for Sustainable Development (YESD). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that national vocational training institutions advertise their programmes through the media and local dailies. The information provided includes information on the courses offered, the entry level, the duration or pattern of attendance, and cost implications. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate the measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In reply to previous comments, the Government reports the adoption of the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, 2012, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for the promotion, development and regulation of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs). The Committee notes with interest that the functions of the MSE Authority include: the promotion of the mainstreaming of the youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all MSE activities and programmes; the promotion of innovation and development of products; the formulation of capacity building programmes; the facilitation of technology development, acquisition and transfer; and the development of mechanisms, tools and programmes for the collection of comprehensive data, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Committee also notes the creation of an MSE Fund, whose purposes include the financing of capacity building and research development, innovation and transfer of technology. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs, particularly on the activities of the MSE Authority.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that, under the Decent Work Country Programme, young women and men have acquired entrepreneurial skills as well as business start-up skills. The Committee understands that the development of a national integrated human resources development strategy, one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Vision 2030, consists of the development of a human resources strategy to align the supply and demand for human resources with the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the programmes and measures taken to promote skills. It also asks the Government to provide detailed information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Labour Board, through the National Manpower Development Committee, contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

Article 1(5). Equality of opportunity. The Committee takes note of the introduction by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) of a performance monitoring tool for the public sector, including the access to training opportunities. The NGEC is working with key members of the private sector, in order to determine how a similar tool could be adopted to ensure compliance with the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in the private sector. Moreover, the Government’s report under the Paid Education Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), received in September 2013, refers to certain programmes currently in the course of implementation, namely the Youth Employment Facility initiative, the Cobblestone Work Project, and the Youth Employment for Sustainable Development (YESD). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that national vocational training institutions advertise their programmes through the media and local dailies. The information provided includes information on the courses offered, the entry level, the duration or pattern of attendance, and cost implications. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate the measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In reply to previous comments, the Government reports the adoption of the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, 2012, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for the promotion, development and regulation of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs). The Committee notes with interest that the functions of the MSE Authority include: the promotion of the mainstreaming of the youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all MSE activities and programmes; the promotion of innovation and development of products; the formulation of capacity building programmes; the facilitation of technology development, acquisition and transfer; and the development of mechanisms, tools and programmes for the collection of comprehensive data, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Committee also notes the creation of an MSE Fund, whose purposes include the financing of capacity building and research development, innovation and transfer of technology. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs, particularly on the activities of the MSE Authority.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that, under the Decent Work Country Programme, young women and men have acquired entrepreneurial skills as well as business start-up skills. The Committee understands that the development of a national integrated human resources development strategy, one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Vision 2030, consists of the development of a human resources strategy to align the supply and demand for human resources with the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the programmes and measures taken to promote skills. It also asks the Government to provide detailed information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Labour Board, through the National Manpower Development Committee, contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

Article 1(5). Equality of opportunity. The Committee takes note of the introduction by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) of a performance monitoring tool for the public sector, including the access to training opportunities. The NGEC is working with key members of the private sector, in order to determine how a similar tool could be adopted to ensure compliance with the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in the private sector. Moreover, the Government’s report under the Paid Education Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), received in September 2013, refers to certain programmes currently in the course of implementation, namely the Youth Employment Facility initiative, the Cobblestone Work Project, and the Youth Employment for Sustainable Development (YESD). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that national vocational training institutions advertise their programmes through the media and local dailies. The information provided includes information on the courses offered, the entry level, the duration or pattern of attendance, and cost implications. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate the measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In reply to previous comments, the Government reports the adoption of the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, 2012, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for the promotion, development and regulation of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs). The Committee notes with interest that the functions of the MSE Authority include: the promotion of the mainstreaming of the youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all MSE activities and programmes; the promotion of innovation and development of products; the formulation of capacity building programmes; the facilitation of technology development, acquisition and transfer; and the development of mechanisms, tools and programmes for the collection of comprehensive data, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Committee also notes the creation of an MSE Fund, whose purposes include the financing of capacity building and research development, innovation and transfer of technology. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs, particularly on the activities of the MSE Authority.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2013.

Repetition

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that, under the Decent Work Country Programme, young women and men have acquired entrepreneurial skills as well as business start-up skills. The Committee understands that the development of a national integrated human resources development strategy, one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Vision 2030, consists of the development of a human resources strategy to align the supply and demand for human resources with the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the programmes and measures taken to promote skills. It also asks the Government to provide detailed information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Labour Board, through the National Manpower Development Committee, contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

Article 1(5). Equality of opportunity. The Committee takes note of the introduction by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) of a performance monitoring tool for the public sector, including the access to training opportunities. The NGEC is working with key members of the private sector, in order to determine how a similar tool could be adopted to ensure compliance with the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in the private sector. Moreover, the Government’s report under the Paid Education Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), received in September 2013, refers to certain programmes currently in the course of implementation, namely the Youth Employment Facility initiative, the Cobblestone Work Project, and the Youth Employment for Sustainable Development (YESD). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that national vocational training institutions advertise their programmes through the media and local dailies. The information provided includes information on the courses offered, the entry level, the duration or pattern of attendance, and cost implications. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate the measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In reply to previous comments, the Government reports the adoption of the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, 2012, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for the promotion, development and regulation of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs). The Committee notes with interest that the functions of the MSE Authority include: the promotion of the mainstreaming of the youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all MSE activities and programmes; the promotion of innovation and development of products; the formulation of capacity building programmes; the facilitation of technology development, acquisition and transfer; and the development of mechanisms, tools and programmes for the collection of comprehensive data, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Committee also notes the creation of an MSE Fund, whose purposes include the financing of capacity building and research development, innovation and transfer of technology. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs, particularly on the activities of the MSE Authority.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in September 2013 which includes information in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that, under the Decent Work Country Programme, young women and men have acquired entrepreneurial skills as well as business start-up skills. The Committee understands that the development of a national integrated human resources development strategy, one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Vision 2030, consists of the development of a human resources strategy to align the supply and demand for human resources with the labour market. The Committee invites the Government to supply detailed information in its next report on the results achieved by the programmes and measures taken to promote skills. It also asks the Government to provide detailed information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Labour Board, through the National Manpower Development Committee, contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

Article 1(5). Equality of opportunity. The Committee takes note of the introduction by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) of a performance monitoring tool for the public sector, including the access to training opportunities. The NGEC is working with key members of the private sector, in order to determine how a similar tool could be adopted to ensure compliance with the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), in the private sector. Moreover, the Government’s report under the Paid Education Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), received in September 2013, refers to certain programmes currently in the course of implementation, namely the Youth Employment Facility initiative, the Cobblestone Work Project, and the Youth Employment for Sustainable Development (YESD). The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that national vocational training institutions advertise their programmes through the media and local dailies. The information provided includes information on the courses offered, the entry level, the duration or pattern of attendance, and cost implications. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate the measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In reply to previous comments, the Government reports the adoption of the Micro and Small Enterprises Act, 2012, which aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for the promotion, development and regulation of micro- and small enterprises (MSEs). The Committee notes with interest that the functions of the MSE Authority include: the promotion of the mainstreaming of the youth, gender and persons with disabilities in all MSE activities and programmes; the promotion of innovation and development of products; the formulation of capacity building programmes; the facilitation of technology development, acquisition and transfer; and the development of mechanisms, tools and programmes for the collection of comprehensive data, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The Committee also notes the creation of an MSE Fund, whose purposes include the financing of capacity building and research development, innovation and transfer of technology. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs, particularly on the activities of the MSE Authority.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the replies provided by the Government in its report received in March 2009. It invites the Government to provide updated information in its next report on the following points.

1. Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.  Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Government reports that the newly created Labour Institutions Act, 2007, consolidates all institutions involved in labour administration. The National Labour Board established under the Act has the function of advising the Government on all matters concerning employment. The Board shall establish committees; one of which is the National Manpower Development Committee (NMDC). The establishment of the committee under the Act not only gives the necessary legal framework, but also enables its decision to be ratified by the tripartite National Labour Board. In the Government’s view, this will ensure that the policies and programmes carried out by the NMDC are linked to employment. The Government also indicates that documents like the Kenya Vision 2030, the Economic Review Strategy (ERS) for Wealth and Employment Creation (2003–07) and the development plans re-emphasize the central role of human resource planning, development and utilization for the success of Kenya’s development process. The Committee notes the Government’s acknowledgement of the importance of human capital as a major beneficiary and critical success indicator of the development process, and as an important means of empowering the country’s population. The Committee notes that these policy documents have identified employment as one of the most effective routes for economic growth. The overall objective of these policy documents is to promote full, productive and decent employment that will enable those who are willing and able to work to secure jobs. In addition, the Committee notes that one of the targets of the ERS was to create at least 500,000 jobs annually and that, through accelerated and sustained economic growth, the economy will be able to generate additional job opportunities. The Committee once again welcomes this approach and looks forward to examining, in the Government’s next report, information on the impact of the action taken to promote skills under the ERS and the Decent Work Country Programme 2007–11. It also asks the Government to provide further information on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Manpower Development Committee contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. Equality of opportunity. The Committee recalls that the Decent Work Country Programme 2007–11 acknowledges the urgent need of young Kenyans for strengthened skills and accurate training in order to be successful in the labour market. The ILO will support initiatives to provide training to enhance young workers’ productivity, competitiveness and income generation through skills development, while strengthening youth awareness of core ILO labour standards, viable social protection solutions (including microinsurance), HIV/AIDS and safety at the workplace. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

3. Articles 2 and 3. Vocational guidance information. The Committee notes that the types of information available for vocational guidance include job search techniques, entrepreneurial and business management skills and information on employment and unemployment trends. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and to indicate all measures specifically taken concerning persons with disabilities.

4. Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Government indicates that policies and programmes which aim at increasing employment and training opportunities for SMEs have been implemented. It also indicates that Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2005 on the development of micro-enterprises and SMEs for wealth and employment creation for poverty reduction provides the policy framework for development of the sector. The sector has been generating more than 80 per cent of all new jobs in the past five years, representing a 20 per cent contribution to the country’s GDP. The Committee also notes the policies and programmes implemented to increase employment and training opportunities including the patenting of products; training for skills upgrading and transfer of technology; reviewing the labour laws to make them dynamic, supportive and responsive to the needs of the sector; promotion of SME products’ facilitation and sensitization programmes for funding to promote access to credit and finance. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken on employment and training opportunities in SMEs as envisaged in Part IV of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

1. Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Close link with employment. The Committee notes the report sent by the Government in reply to the direct request of 2003, received in December 2004. The Government indicates that the National Manpower Development Committee gathers information on the employment market, making it possible, in particular, to determine the needs of the employment market in terms of training. A directory of the different occupations has also been created for statistical purposes. Furthermore, the Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development has improved the electronic database on manpower and the labour market, which has allowed the skills required to be identified. The Committee notes that, in its report on the application of Convention No. 140, received in September 2008, the Government indicates that the Vocational Training Act provides for the establishment of a National Vocational Training Council. The Committee also notes that in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, human resources development has been considered at the core of the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) for wealth and employment creation in the investment programme adopted in March 2004. It is envisaged to provide opportunities for all Kenyans to productively and self-reliantly participate in employment and wealth creation. The Government also recognized that developing human resources requires complementary efforts to address education and training, health and HIV/AIDS, labour and nutrition. The Committee welcomes this approach and looks forward to examining in the Government’s next report information on the impact of the action taken to promote skills under the ERS. It also requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the existing methods for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, indicating, in particular, the manner in which the National Vocational Training Council contributes to the effective coordination of policies and programmes and the manner in which they are linked to employment and to public employment services.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. Equality of opportunity. According to the information provided by the Government, measures are planned to promote the education and training of women with a view to their increased participation in the labour market. For instance, the Government has organized awareness-raising campaigns targeting policy-makers in several districts of the country. The Government is also continuing its efforts to improve access to credit for women by encouraging them to form credit cooperatives, by establishing contacts with banks and microcredit organizations and by strengthening institutional capacities in collaboration with the private sector. The Government also points out that specific programmes are being devised to combat the high unemployment of young persons, in particular through the promotion of self-employment and the creation of youth polytechnics, but also through mechanisms to manage the transition between school and work, and apprenticeship and vocational guidance. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to encourage women to develop and use their professional abilities in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. Please also indicate the measures taken to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with specific needs, such as young persons and the other categories of vulnerable persons identified in Paragraph 5(h) of Recommendation No. 195.

3. Vocational guidance information. The Government indicates that school curricula include vocational guidance classes which make pupils aware of the different occupations and employment options available. Furthermore, the information on the programmes of vocational training institutions is disseminated through various media. The Committee refers to Article 3, paragraph 2, which provides that, in addition to the choice of an occupation, vocational training and related educational opportunities, the employment situation and employment prospects, the information and guidance given shall also cover subjects such as conditions of work, safety and hygiene at work and other aspects of working life in the various sectors of economic, social and cultural activity and at all levels of responsibility. The Committee also recalls that, in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 3, the information and guidance referred to in the Convention shall be supplemented by information on general aspects of collective agreements and of the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour laws and regulations. In this regard, the Committee invites the Government to continue to report on the type of information available for the purposes of vocational guidance and to provide examples of the documentation available (Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3). Please also provide information on the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all persons concerned and indicate all measures specifically concerning handicapped and disabled persons (Article 3, paragraph 1).

4. Employment and training opportunities in small and medium-sized enterprises. In reply to the Committee’s previous direct request, the Government indicates that a Micro and Small Enterprise Training and Technology Project has been implemented. The project consists of activities relating to training, the development of technology and infrastructure, as well as institutional development and policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation. The project has had an impact in terms of the expansion and diversification of the activities and networks of the enterprises concerned, as well as in terms of employment, income growth and the creation of enterprises by women. According to the information provided by the Government, the results of the project have also contributed to the country’s objectives in the context of its poverty reduction strategy, in particular through the creation of jobs, a rise in income levels and the promotion of economic growth. The Committee refers to Chapter IV of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), containing information on the service infrastructure which should be developed in order to enhance the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, their job creation potential and their competitiveness and hopes that the Government will continue to include information in its next report on the measures taken to this end.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the very brief report received in November 2003. It would be appreciated if the Government would continue to supply information on the following points already raised in its 1999 direct request.

1. Please provide indications on the manner in which the policies and programmes carried out by the National Manpower Development Committee are linked with employment, and in particular with the public employment services, as required by Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

2. Please supply any indication on the results achieved in the framework of the National Development Plan in order to encourage all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society (Article 1, paragraph 5).

3. Please describe the type of information made available for vocational guidance purposes and supply specimens of the documentation made available. Please indicate the procedures and/or machinery for ensuring that the educational, training, occupational, employment market and other information referred to in Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention are kept suitably up to date for effective vocational guidance purposes.

4. Please supply information on the policies and programmes implemented in order to increase employment and training opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. In this respect, the Government might deem it useful to consult the appropriate provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes with interest the detailed information supplied by the Government in its report, received in January 1999. It would be appreciated if the Government would continue to supply information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes that, since January 1998, the National Manpower Development Committee has been established with the objective of ensuring that there is availability of sufficient and well-trained manpower with the requisite knowledge and skills required by the economy. It would be grateful if the Government would provide further indications on the manner in which the policies and programmes carried out by the National Manpower Development Committee are linked with employment, and in particular with the public employment services, as required by Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes with interest that there is a deliberate policy to promote participation of women in vocational guidance and training in the economy, as highlighted in the National Development Plan 1997-2001 which encourages women and youth involvement in small, medium-scale and informal sector activities. Please supply any indication on the achievements obtained in the framework of the National Development Plan in order to encourage all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society (Article 1, paragraph 5).

3. As required in previous comments, please describe the type of information made available for vocational guidance purposes and supply specimens of the documentation made available. Please indicate the procedures and/or machinery for ensuring that the educational, training, occupational, employment market and other information referred to in Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention are kept suitably up to date for effective vocational guidance purposes.

4. Please continue to supply information on the policies and programmes implemented in order to increase higher employment and training opportunities for small and medium enterprises. In this respect, the Government might deem it useful to consult the appropriate provisions of the Job Creation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189).

5. Please continue to provide information on the Voucher Training Scheme Programme and its impact on small-scale enterprises and on any action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the assistance and advice received from the ILO and, if any, the factors which may have prevented or delayed such action (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the detailed information supplied by the Government in reply to its direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would supply further information in its next report on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the information concerning the respective fields of competence of the Ministry of Manpower Development and Employment, the Ministry of Technical Training and Applied Technology and the Ministry of Education in relation to vocational guidance and training. Please indicate the manner in which the activities of these three Ministries are coordinated in order to establish a close relationship between vocational guidance and training and employment.

2. The Government indicates that measures have been taken in order to permit the participation of more women in the Craft Training Schemes. Please continue to supply information on the measures that are taken to promote the vocational training of women. Please indicate whether, more generally, other measures have been taken or are envisaged in order to encourage all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society (Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention).

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the vocational guidance and training of disabled persons. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are made available to children, young persons and adults. Please describe the type of information made available for vocational guidance purposes and supply specimens of the documentation made available. Please indicate the procedures and/or machinery for ensuring that the educational, training, occupational, employment market and other information referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 3 of the Convention are kept suitably up to date for effective vocational guidance purposes.

4. The Committee notes with interest the new policy adopted by the Government to promote training opportunities in small enterprises and in the informal sector. Please supply information on the policies and programmes implemented in order to achieve this objective.

5. Please indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the assistance and advice received from the relevant ILO technical departments and, if any, the factors which may have prevented or delayed such action (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes with interest the detailed information supplied by the Government in reply to its direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would supply further information in its next report on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the information concerning the respective fields of competence of the Ministry of Manpower Development and Employment, the Ministry of Technical Training and Applied Technology and the Ministry of Education in relation to vocational guidance and training. Please indicate the manner in which the activities of these three Ministries are coordinated in order to establish a close relationship between vocational guidance and training and employment.

2. The Government indicates that measures have been taken in order to permit the participation of more women in the Craft Training Schemes. Please continue to supply information on the measures that are taken to promote the vocational training of women. Please indicate whether, more generally, other measures have been taken or are envisaged in order to encourage all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society (Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention).

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the vocational guidance and training of disabled persons. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures which ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are made available to children, young persons and adults. Please describe the type of information made avaiable for vocational guidance purposes and supply specimens of the documentation made available. Please indicate the procedures and/or machinery for ensuring that the educational, training, occupational, employment market and other information referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article 3 of the Convention are kept suitably up-to-date for effective vocational guidance purposes.

4. The Committee notes with interest the new policy adopted by the Government to promote training opportunities in small enterprises and in the informal sector. Please supply information on the policies and programmes implemented in order to achieve this objective.

5. Please indicate the action that has been taken or is envisaged as a result of the assistance and advice received from the relevant ILO technical departments and, if any, the factors which may have prevented or delayed such action (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government, particularly with regard to the operation of the National Industrial Training Council, in which co-operation with the employers' and workers' organisation is ensured as required by the provisions of Article 5 of the Convention. It requests the Government to continue to supply information on developments in the area covered by the Convention, with particular reference to the following points:

Article 1, paragraphs 2-4. Please indicate the manner in which effective co-ordination is ensured between the Ministry of Technical Training and Applied Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture and Social Services and the National Youth Service. Please specify the way in which the various programmes referred to by the Government in its report are linked to employment and the public employment service.

Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes that any person, irrespective of sex, race or religion may apply for the Craft Training Scheme. Please indicate, more generally, whether any other measures have been taken to encourage all persons on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations (account being taken of the needs of society).

Article 2. Please continue to provide information on the measures taken under the Industrial Training Act and the various vocational training programmes, and describe in greater detail the systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training, to enable the Committee to ascertain whether they are "open, flexible and complementary", in accordance with the aims of the Convention.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee takes note of the information on the measures taken and the problems that still remain to be solved with regard to vocational guidance. It requests the Government to indicate to what extent the objectives of the proposed vocational guidance in secondary schools have been or are in the process of being attained. Please indicate also any measures taken or under consideration to provide information and guidance specifically for disabled persons.

Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Committee takes note of the information concerning selection tests. It would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on the application of these provisions, describing the type of information available for vocational guidance, along with specimens of available documentation. Please indicate the procedures or the system for ensuring that information on education, training, occupations, the employment market and any other subject covered by these paragraphs is updated in order to provide effective vocational guidance.

Article 4 and Part VI of the Report Form. The Committee notes with interest that a working party has been created on education and training for the next decade and beyond. It would be grateful if the Government would transmit the report or relevant conclusions and recommendations of the above working party, along with information on the training policies and programmes for rural areas, small and medium-sized enterprises, the craft sector, or particular groups of the population (see parts V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X of the Human Resources Development Recommendation (1975) appended to the Report Form).

Part V of the Report Form. Please indicate the action taken as a result of the ILO technical assistance such as the project KEN/86/037 for the disabled. The Committee has noted the Government's request for assistance from the international community in developing appropriate aptitude tests for the methodical selection of those to be trained in certain areas. It hopes that it will be possible for appropriate follow-up to be given to this request.