Kenya Power workers have issued a three-week strike notice.
Issuing the notice, Kenya Electrical Traders & Allied Workers Union (KETAWU) has accused the Board of sidestepping management in running the firm.
The workers have fingered four board members currently under the radar of the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) including Chairman Vivienne Yeda, Caroline Kitonny, Elizabeth Rogo and Sachen Gudka.
“The current Board though vigilant has gone into micromanagement and frustrated all internally generated ideas in favour of non-actors in the sector,” said KETAWU secretary-general Ernest Nadome.
This comes days after the board was summoned by EACC after allegations that the board tried to interfere with the procurement process in Kenya Power, which would have seen them choose suppliers of their own and get kickbacks in return.
As a result of the tender wars, former CEO Bernard Ngugi resigned in a huff, with inside sources indicating that he was pushed out.
Among the issues that KETAWU want to be addressed include the proposed Safaricom smart grid solution being pushed by a section of the Board under the pretext of PPP & PIIP Acts.
The workers have pointed out the direct supervision of procurement and warehousing processes with the intent to award specific tenderpreneurs.
KETAWU also accuses the board of failing to facilitate the provision of critical fast-moving materials including meters thus rendering management impotent and frustrated in the face of the public.
“The current probe by EACC is timely and supported by the Union & workers alike. The Board is not supportive of employee’s welfare yet it expects quality service delivery. The employees are extremely demoralized (No promotions, the long servicing contract & casual not converted as agreed with management). They practice open discrimination on labour matters,” added Nadome.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com or WhatsApp +254707482874. You can also find us on Telegram through www.t.me/kahawatungu