Global Rights Index 2014 - Kenya
| Publisher | International Trade Union Confederation |
| Publication Date | 19 May 2014 |
| Cite as | International Trade Union Confederation, Global Rights Index 2014 - Kenya, 19 May 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53bcf9a71f.html [accessed 3 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Country Rating: 4
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Systematic violation of rights
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Workers in countries with the rating of 4 have reported systematic violations. The government and/or companies are engaged in serious efforts to crush the collective voice of workers, putting fundamental rights under continuous threat.
Nairobi County Government suspends 500 workers: In September 2013, the Nairobi County Government suspended 500 workers, including union officials, for allegedly taking part in an unlawful strike. Police used teargas canisters to disperse a protest calling for the implementation of a collective agreement concluded with the Nairobi County Government on 1 September 2012. The Interim County Secretary Lillian Ndegwa engaged private contractors and youth groups as replacement workers.
Violations in EPZ: In January 2014, the company "New Wide Garments" which operates in the EPZ and employs more than 6,000 workers stopped deducing union dues in violation of a valid collective agreement. Even though the court ordered the company to comply with the collective agreement, the union did not receive dues for the month of December. Furthermore, management stopped paying workers during sick leave and failed to compensate workers for employment injuries and overtime work. As a result, workers decided to call a strike action.
Government withholds salaries after teachers' strike ends: The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) signed a return-to-work agreement was signed on 18 July 2013 with the Government. The parties agreed that there would be no victimisation of any union member in relation to the strike and that teachers would be paid their June 2013 salaries. As a result KNUT urged teacher to report back to work. However, the Government did not comply with its commitments and did not pay salaries for the month of June.
