The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the German Development Bank (KfW) strengthened their cooperation on labour rights and occupational health and safety (OHS) through a joint workshop held at KfW Headquarters in Frankfurt on 27 May 2026, following a recent joint mission to the Kitale–Morpus Road Project in Kenya.

The workshop brought together representatives from BWI and KfW to exchange experiences and further develop joint approaches for monitoring labour standards and workplace safety in IFI-funded infrastructure projects.

Discussions focused on strengthening workplace assessment tools, improving worker participation, and enhancing cooperation between trade unions, financial institutions, contractors, and project stakeholders.

A key part of the workshop reflected on the recent mission to the KfW-funded Kitale–Morpus Road Project, implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). During the visit, BWI and its affiliate, the Kenya Building, Construction, Timber and Furniture Industries Employees Union (KBCTFIEU), engaged with workers and stakeholders to review working conditions on site. More than 300 workers on the project are organised through KBCTFIEU under a recognition agreement with the contractor, Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO).

The joint visit provided an important opportunity for direct engagement with workers and project stakeholders on occupational health and safety, grievance mechanisms, worker welfare and workers’ representation. The discussions highlighted several areas where continued attention and improvement will be important to further strengthen the implementation of labour standards and reinforce freedom of association at the project level.

Observations from the mission were later discussed during a multi-stakeholder meeting involving representatives from BWI, KfW, KeNHA, the contractor, consultants, and civil society organisations. The exchange focused on constructive measures aimed at supporting compliance with labour standards, improving workplace practices, and strengthening systems that protect workers’ rights and wellbeing.

The workshop in Frankfurt concluded with a shared commitment by BWI and KfW to continue joint learning initiatives and workplace monitoring missions to promote decent work and safer construction sites globally.