Workplace Violence Among Domestic Workers in Urban Households in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi City
Kennedy
Nyabuti Ondimu
Abstract:
This paper discusses findings of a study conducted in 2004/2005 on the
prevalence and impact of domestic labour migration in Nairobi. Specifically, the
paper examines the profile of domestic workers and extent of their vulnerability
and exposure to different forms of abuse. The study integrated both qualitative
and quantitative research techniques to attain its objectives. The qualitative
approach included key informant survey and in-depth interviews. The quantitative
approach on the other hand involved a cross-sectional household stratified
sample survey in urban residential areas in Nairobi. The results reveal that
overall, children account for a higher proportion of domestic workers, most of
them girls from poor family backgrounds. Child domestic workers in Nairobi face
many workplace social hazards that include injury, verbal harassment and sexual
abuse. Based on these findings, the study makes appropriate policy
recommendations.