Labour Committee Launches Probe Into Alleged Sexual Harassment at Two Tea Firms in Kericho

The National Assembly Committee on Labour is in Kericho to investigate allegations of sexual harassment on female employees of two tea factories in the county.

The two multi international factories under probe are James Finlay and Ekatera formerly known as Unilever Tea factory.

The Committee led by Hon. Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes) started the probe into the allegations today, by meeting security officers from the county who briefed them on their findings on the matter.

“We held a closed door engagement with county security officers who provided us with very critical information,” said Hon Muchangi.

He explained: “We decided to meet the security officers because they have already started their investigations into the matter and their findings were critical to us,”

The Committee visited the James Finlay Tea Factory where they grilled top management for several hours on the matter that has caused an uproar in the country.

The Committee visited the tea growing county to launch investigations into the case after the issue was raised in the Parliament by Kericho Women Representative Hon Beatrice Kemei.

Hon. Kemei had during the order statements in the National Assembly on February, 21st requested for a statement from chairperson Labour Committee on alleged sexual harassment of female workers in various tea estates in the county.

The Speaker directed the Committee to investigate the allegations and present their report to the House.

This followed an expose by a BBC News Africa investigative documentary that revealed alleged rampant cases where senior managers of the factories were allegedly demanding for sex favours from female staff before offering them jobs or promotions.

The chairperson noted that the expose had a huge negative impact not only on the two factories but the country at large and that is why they were investigating the matter.

“We have started well with our investigations and I believe at the end of our facts finding visit here we will have gathered vital information that will help us in report writing,” he noted.

The Committee will meet staff to gather more information and the Ekatera Tea Factory management.

Other Members on the Committee include, Hon Muli Kyule (vice chairperson), Hon Richard Chonga, Hon Barasa Patrick Simiyu, Hon Chiforomodo Mangale, Hon Peter Irungu, Hon Leah Sankaire Sopiato and Hon Lillian Siyoi Chebet.

Hon. Kemei and Senator Hon Gloria Orwoba accompanied the Committee as interested parties