KMC workers stage demo demanding better pay

KMC workers at Athi River stage a demonstration against poor working conditions. The workers called for the removal of the firm’s top management saying it has failed to turn around the firm since it was re-opened in 2006. PHOTO/PONCIANO ODONGO  NATION

In Summary

• Operations at the factory were paralysed as workers called for the removal of the firm’s top management.
• The workers said they earn meagre salaries yet the KMC board has increased pay for the managers.

By PONCIANO ODONGO
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More than 200 workers of the Kenya Meat Commission Monday held a demonstration demanding a salary increase.

Operations at the factory were paralysed as workers called for the removal of the firm’s top management saying it has failed to turn around the firm since it was re-opened in 2006.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock came here in April and promised that the board would come up with a strategy to turn the plant around, he is yet to do that,” said Stephen Obunga who has worked at the plant in Athi River for seven years.

The workers said they earn meagre salaries yet the KMC board has increased pay for the managers.

The workers also called for the disbanding of the current board claiming it has failed to deliver.

“The board and managers meet here regularly but all the operations have stalled. We report here daily but no work is done.

The board is clueless and should be sent parking,” said James Masaku.

Our efforts to reach the acting managing commissioner, James Tendwa, were fruitless. He said through a text message that he was in a meeting.