Senators seek payments for former KCC workers awaiting dues for decades
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The committee members expressed concern for the petitioners, many of whom are now elderly.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has vowed to pursue justice for former employees of the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) who are still waiting for Sh204 million in unpaid dues after nearly three decades.
The long-standing dispute has been exacerbated by recent government officials' avoidance of accountability, leading to sharp criticism from committee members.
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The issue escalated when National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the government is not obligated to pay terminal benefits and sacco dues that KCC deducted but failed to remit.
Notably absent from the committee meeting last Friday, Mbadi recommended in a letter that the petition be dismissed, prompting outrage from committee members who described his approach as "grossly casual".
Senator George Mbugua, the committee’s vice chairperson, expressed disappointment over CS Mbadi's absence and his dismissal of the petition.
"Even if it takes two years to see this through, we will not relent until justice is served. These elderly petitioners dedicated their lives to service. It's unimaginable that CS Mbadi would recommend dismissing their plea without due consideration," he said.
The situation worsened with the absence of Co-operatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who sent Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi instead.
This recurring pattern of government officials not showing up led to heightened calls for accountability from committee members.
Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi proposed that final invitations be issued to both Cabinet Secretaries to ensure their attendance, warning that summons would follow if they do not comply.
He invoked the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, emphasising the committee's authority to demand cooperation from officials.
Additionally, Senator Miraj Abdullahi suggested that Cabinet Secretaries be held financially accountable for their absence, advocating for a surcharge to reimburse the petitioners who have travelled at significant personal cost only to face empty chairs.
"These individuals have shown up at great personal cost; it's time we make sure their expenses are covered by those responsible for these delays," she argued.
The committee members expressed concern for the petitioners, many of whom are now elderly.
Senators Crystal Asige (Nominated) and Mohammed Faki (Mombasa) supported Senator Mundigi's proposal, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue to prevent further delays.
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