Widespread abuse and inequality persist for women in Kenya’s tea plantations, report reveals

KENYA – Despite Kenya’s reputation as one of the world’s top tea exporters, female workers across the country’s tea estates continue to face alarming levels of exploitation, abuse, and unsafe working conditions.  

A report released by the Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) on June 27 highlights persistent violations of labour and human rights, particularly affecting women employed in the sector. 

Titled “An Analysis of Women Workers’ Experiences of Rights Violations in Kenya’s Tea Sector”, the report reveals that many women endure precarious employment, irregular wages, and physically demanding tasks with minimal legal protection. A majority of them operate without formal contracts, often earning below a basic living wage. 

“Women work beyond the legal limit of hours without breaks or appropriate compensation,” the report states. It adds that their earnings are often insufficient to meet essential needs like food, healthcare, and shelter. 

In addition to economic insecurity, the report documents severe health and safety risks. Women are exposed to harmful substances, lack adequate medical cover, and have limited access to mental health support. These risks are worsened by cases of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. 

“Personal narratives reveal a grim reality where women are coerced into sexual activities under threats of job loss, suffer physical violence, and endure significant psychological trauma,” the report notes. 

The CASV study also points to systemic discrimination. Women are under-represented in leadership, often denied maternity leave and nursing support, and have few avenues to report abuse. Casual employment status further strips them of legal protections. 

Fear of retaliation prevents many from speaking out. “Women worry they will lose their jobs if they report abuse or advocate for better conditions,” the report states, revealing how this climate of fear undermines freedom of expression and association. 

The report recommends urgent reforms, including the enactment or strengthening of laws to mandate comprehensive Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) policies across tea estates.  

CASV also calls for overhauling human resources practices to ensure gender equity in recruitment, promotions, and complaint handling. 

According to the report, the findings are based on a desk review and in-depth interviews with women in Kenya’s key tea-growing regions. 

In May 2024, Browns Investment—formerly James Finlay Kenya—acknowledged systemic failures that enabled sexual exploitation within its operations.  

The company announced a new remedial framework, training programs, and policy changes to address the abuse and improve employee welfare. 

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