In a landmark ruling, a Kenyan court has directed Safaricom, the country’s leading telecommunications company, to compensate a former employee with KSh 1.1 million for wrongful dismissal. The court found that the employee, who had been terminated without just cause, was entitled to compensation under employment laws.
The dispute began when the employee was dismissed from their position without a clear explanation or due process. Safaricom, despite being one of the largest companies in Kenya, was accused of violating the employee’s rights by failing to adhere to proper termination procedures. The court found that the dismissal was not only unjustified but also a violation of labor regulations that protect workers from arbitrary sacking.
The former employee had worked for Safaricom for several years before being terminated. According to the judgment, Safaricom failed to provide sufficient evidence of the employee’s misconduct or performance issues that would have warranted the termination. The court also noted that the company did not give the employee an opportunity to defend themselves or present their side of the story, a crucial aspect of a fair dismissal process.
The ruling is seen as a significant reminder of the importance of adhering to labor laws and the protection of employee rights in Kenya. It underscores the need for companies to conduct thorough investigations and provide clear reasons before terminating an employee’s contract. Safaricom, known for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, has yet to comment on the decision but is expected to comply with the ruling.
The employee, who had sought legal redress through the Employment and Labour Relations Court, expressed satisfaction with the judgment. The compensation, which includes both terminal dues and damages for unlawful dismissal, is seen as a win for employee rights and serves as a warning to other employers against breaching labor laws.
This case highlights the growing trend of workers holding corporations accountable for unlawful practices in Kenya’s employment sector. The decision could have far-reaching implications, encouraging more employees to challenge unfair terminations and seek justice in the courts.
