An investigative story by NTV on the state of affairs on Naivasha flower farms has jolted union officials in the sector.
Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) officials now say the affected firms have violated their Collective Bargaining Agreement, a matter that they are investigating.
They also poked holes in the report dubbed ‘No bed of roses’, which aired on Sunday, saying that they were never interviewed to tell Kenyans the truth about the reality on the ground.
Addressing reporters at KPAWU offices in Nakuru town, deputy secretary-general Thomas Kipkemboi said flower growers under the Agricultural Employers Association and KPAWU have a valid, recognised agreement and recently signed a CBA.
“The CBA we signed covered terms and conditions of employment effective from August 1 and it will last two years where we are supposed to negotiate again. The issues mentioned by the human rights commission programme adviser have been taken care of in the CBA. If the report by NTV is true, then the affected farms have violated the CBA and KPAWU is ready to launch investigations into this matter and address it,” said Mr. Kipkemboi.