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Ex-Kenya Cashew Nut Limited employees demand unpaid pension, severance pay

Former Kenya Cashew Nut Limited employees outside the factory's premises at Mkoroshoni in Kilifi town. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, May 26, 2024

The factory, which was once a major employer in Kilifi, closed its doors in 1996, leaving many workers without their rightful benefits.

Over 3,000 former employees of the defunct Kenya Cashew Nut Limited (KCL) have urged the government to intervene and ensure they receive their long-overdue pensions and severance pay.

The factory, which was once a major employer in Kilifi, closed its doors in 1996, leaving many workers without their rightful benefits.

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As the government plans to revive the cashew nut factory in Kilifi, the former employees are insisting that their financial grievances be addressed before the revival proceeds.

The revival project has sparked hope in the community for economic rejuvenation, but for the former workers, it also reignites painful memories of unresolved injustices.

They recently held a peaceful demonstration outside the factory's premises at Mkoroshoni in Kilifi town.

Former KCL employee Hilda Kafani expressed the collective frustration and desperation of the affected workers.

“We feel oppressed. We were laid off and sent away without being given our dues. I fear that at my old age, I might die before receiving the money owed to me,” she said.

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Kafani called on the government to prioritise settling their unpaid pensions and severance benefits before any efforts to revive the factory are made.

Former Kenya Cashew Nut Limited employees during a peaceful demonstration outside the factory's premises at Mkoroshoni in Kilifi town. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Her sentiments were echoed by many former employees who shared similar frustrations.

Katana Kazungu, another former worker from Mtondia village, described the struggle of following up on their payments, which has seen them go around in circles without any resolution.

“The lack of funds has made it difficult for me to meet my daily needs and access quality medical care,” Kazungu lamented.

Douglas Katana, who has been at the forefront of the legal battle to claim their dues, highlighted the challenges they face with the judicial system.

“Despite following the proper legal procedures, the court case has stalled because the main respondent cannot be found,” Katana explained.

He voiced concerns about the prolonged delay, fearing that many of his former colleagues might never receive justice.

The former employees argue that addressing their financial entitlements is not only a matter of legal obligation but also a gesture of goodwill that would restore their faith in the government’s commitment to justice.

The revival of the cashew nut factory is seen as a potential catalyst for economic development in Kilifi. However, the former KCL workers emphasise that their plight must not be overlooked in the rush to bring the factory back to life.