Ex-KCC Workers Demand Justice: Decades-Long Fight for KSh 200M Unpaid Dues Takes New Turn
“Many of our members have passed away, while others struggle to provide for their families due to the lack of funds.
Raphael Akola Nambisia, former Vice chairman of KCC workers displays some of the documents where they are demanding their unpaid dues amounting over sh 200 million from their former employer. in his Eldoret town office yesterday
The prolonged three-decade battle faced by former Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) employees over unpaid terminal and Maziwa Sacco dues totaling over KSh 200 million has taken a dramatic turn, with the workers now threatening to stage a protest at State House in Nairobi. Their goal is to secure the personal intervention of President William Ruto in resolving their plight.
Raphael Akola Nambisia, a former Vice Chairman of KCC workers, has voiced the group’s frustration and anguish over the government’s handling of their grievances. “Only the President can help us get paid after years of knocking on government doors without success,” he said.
Nambisia announced plans for a peaceful demonstration, stating, “We are mobilizing ourselves to seek an audience with the Head of State over our unpaid dues.” He highlighted the toll this fight has taken on their members, revealing that over 50 former employees have died in the last decade due to stress and related illnesses.
“Many of our members have passed away, while others struggle to provide for their families due to the lack of funds. These are payments we rightfully earned during our years of service,” Nambisia lamented during a statement in Eldoret.
The group expressed their dissatisfaction with Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, John Mbadi, accusing him of obstructing their efforts to secure payment despite favorable court rulings. Their discontent stems from a letter signed by the CS dated October 8, 2024, which stated: “Considering that the employees’ contracts were terminated when KCC Ltd was under private ownership and in compliance with Section 3(1) and (2) of the Transfer of Business Act, the National Treasury believes there is no legal obligation on the government’s part. Therefore, the petition should be dismissed.”
The workers’ frustrations are compounded by a legal battle that has spanned over a decade. In 2013, they filed suit No. 1299 against New KCC Ltd and the government, seeking KSh 204,472,555.20. The High Court ruled in their favor, finding New KCC liable for the payments. However, New KCC appealed the decision in Civil Appeal No. 191 of 2018. In July 2020, a three-judge bench of the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court’s ruling, declaring that New KCC Ltd was not liable.
Despite these setbacks, Nambisia insists that justice is overdue and that the President’s intervention may be their only recourse. “We have waited too long, and many have suffered or died in this fight for justice,” he said.
The former employees remain determined, calling for immediate action to resolve their longstanding grievances.
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