Kenya Pipeline Workers Demand For Job Security Ahead Of Company Privatization

BY ERIC ABUGA

Workers of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), through the Kenya Petroleum Workers Union, have voiced concerns over the unclear fate of employees should the proposed privatization of the company receive approval from Parliament.

Appearing before the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Energy and the Committee on Public Debt and Privatization co-chaired by David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) and Abdi Shurie (Balambala), the union’s Secretary-General pleaded with lawmakers to safeguard staff interests before endorsing the proposal.

“We plead with this committee to ensure staff matters are fully addressed before approving this proposal,” he said.

Gikaria assured the workers that the committee is seized of the matter, adding that any process will strictly follow existing employment laws.

“The CS Treasury and CS Energy did assure the committee that no staff will be affected by the exercise, and we will ensure that is fulfilled,” he committed.
The union criticized what it termed as a rushed implementation of the privatization process, citing inadequate sensitization of employees.

This situation, He said, has caused unrest and distress among the company employees potentially affecting performance and service delivery.

In a memorandum to the committee, the union demanded the immediate suspension of the proposal, alternative governance reforms, and full disclosure of all details.

It further argued that the Sh 100 billion the government seeks to raise through privatization could instead be achieved by streamlining operations and restructuring the company’s management to eliminate revenue losses linked to corrupt dealings.

The union is also seeking a legally binding guarantee that all current employees will retain their jobs, benefits, and union recognition in the event of structural changes.