Digital workers urge President Ruto to address discrimination issues during US visit

President William Ruto in the company of United States President Joe Biden during his US tour.[PCS]

Digital workers in Kenya have urged President Ruto to iron out some issues with America's Joe Bidden as the countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

The plea by the youths to President Ruto comes during his State Visit to the United States in a trip anchored on trade, investment and technological notions.

In an open letter to the President, the youths under project Ether opened up on how some international companies were violating the rights of Kenyans working online.

At the same time, they lauded him on his understanding of the potential of digital jobs.

"We also note your robust public and personal endorsement of some of the companies that bring digital job opportunities to Kenya," they noted.

The digital workers include data laballers, content moderators and Artificial Intelligence workers based in Nairobi

"These predominantly young people work for big technology companies and others via their business processing outsourcing companies in Kenya," they stated.

Pointing out, "we are deeply concerned that the government of Kenya may not be aware of the grave violations of human and worker's rights by some of these US-based big tech companies and their partners locally,"

For this reason, they urged President Ruto to ensure that any US-Kenya strategic trade and investment partnership agreements include strong mechanisms.

This they stated will prevent union busting by US companies in Kenya.

The youths also urged the Head of State that under any partnership the parties ought to adhere to the best principles of the constitution of Kenya.

Their letter to the Head of State adds, "ensure that any agreements explicitly and expressly commit to non-discrimination including in pay across gender, race and nationally,"

Adding that, "we believe that you have the power to ensure that trade partnerships not only bring mutual prosperity to our two nations but promote jobs that are decent, dignifying and socially just,"