Senate Nears Resolution in Long-Running KBL Compensation Case
Each claimant signed a discharge voucher indicating acceptance of the compensation as “full and final settlement” and waiving any further claims against KBL.
Senate edges closer to resolving KBL compensation case after ACC briefing on payout to former workers. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has inched closer to concluding the protracted Kenya Breweries Ltd. (KBL) compensation case involving 125 former workers, following a detailed briefing by the Advocates’ Complaints Commission (ACC).
During the session held at the Mini Chamber, the committee reviewed a Kshs14.76 million settlement managed by Kaplan & Stratton Advocates on behalf of the former KBL employees.
The amount—sent to the claimants’ lawyer Mr. Harrison Kinyanjui on 22nd January 2022—comprised a decretal sum of Kshs9.4 million, Kshs4.3 million in accrued interest, and Kshs1 million in legal costs.
Each claimant signed a discharge voucher indicating acceptance of the compensation as “full and final settlement” and waiving any further claims against KBL.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni praised the ACC’s presentation as “exhaustive and convincing,” though he raised concern over verification of deceased beneficiaries.
According to ACC Chief Executive Mr. George Nyakundi, 46 out of the 125 claimants are believed to be deceased, and their funds remain unreleased pending submission of death certificates or letters of administration.
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo echoed Omogeni’s concerns, stressing that the only unresolved issue is the need for proper documentation to confirm deaths.
“Apart from that,” he said, “the settlement is airtight.”Committee Chair Senator Julius Murgor of West Pokot questioned whether all complainants had received Kshs50,000 as previously reported.
Nyakundi clarified that only three lead petitioners—Lawrence Nduttu, George Njigu, and James Suiyalel—had received interim cheques. The remaining beneficiaries’ funds are still held in the client account, awaiting probate documentation.
Further developments included a fresh petition reportedly filed in the High Court earlier that day. Mr. Njigu confirmed the court would rule on Thursday after Mr. Kinyanjui submits an updated list of claimants.
The Committee agreed that the Judiciary should finalize the matter, while the ACC ensures the required death documents are submitted. The case, which began in 2003 and resulted in a judgment in 2018, is now closer than ever to closure.
Senator Murgor adjourned the meeting, stating that Parliament would only revisit the file if Thursday’s ruling introduced new complications.
“Once the court rules and the death certificates are in, we can declare justice served,” he concluded.Senators present included Okong’o Omogeni, Stewart Madzayo, Crystal Asige, Alexander Mundigi, Beth Syengo, and Gloria Orwoba, who joined the session via Zoom.
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