Kwale County Woman Representative Fatuma Masito has called on the Departmental Committee on Labour to address the issue of employees who have not received their terminal dues, saying the matter has caused untold suffering to affected workers and their families.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Masito requested an official statement from the committee, urging it to investigate the reasons behind the delays and to ensure that justice is served. She emphasized that many former employees, particularly those from both public and private institutions, have been waiting for their dues for months or even years without clear communication from their employers.
“It is unacceptable that hardworking Kenyans retire or lose their jobs and are then left to struggle without their rightful benefits,” Masito said. “I am asking the Departmental Committee on Labour to take immediate action and compel responsible institutions to clear all pending payments.
Masito further highlighted that the issue has had a devastating social impact, with many affected individuals unable to meet their basic needs or educate their children due to financial constraints. She urged the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent such injustices in the future.
Members of Parliament who supported her statement echoed similar concerns, noting that delayed or denied terminal benefits have become a recurring problem across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and county governments.
The Speaker directed the Departmental Committee on Labour to investigate the matter and present a comprehensive report detailing the status of unpaid dues and proposed solutions.
Masito’s move has been widely welcomed by workers’ unions and human rights advocates, who view it as a critical step toward protecting employees’ rights and ensuring accountability within Kenya’s labour sector.
By Nairobi