James Finlay Kenya has confirmed suspending two people adversely talked about in a BBC investigative story alleging sexual harassment of informal labourers on tea farms in Kericho.
In a press release on Tuesday, January 21, the worldwide agency mentioned it had terminated its settlement with John Chebochok’s firm Sislo Holdings as earlier reported within the BBC investigation. The businessman was captured by secret cameras demanding sexual favours from ladies in return for jobs on the tea farms.
Terming the testimony of the victims as “deeply stunning and upsetting”, Finlays mentioned it has provided direct employment to all 300 contractors who had been working with the corporate by way of Sislo to make sure their livelihoods are usually not affected.
The corporate additionally confirmed the sacking of John Asava who was additionally filmed preying on ladies staff in trade for employment.
Finlays mentioned the 2 people have been barred from coming into the corporate premises.
“There is no such thing as a place for behaviour of this type wherever in our enterprise. We firmly imagine that everybody ought to really feel secure after they come to work at Finlays. That’s the reason now we have sturdy insurance policies and procedures in place – akin to complete steering to workers, detailed and steady coaching programmes, an nameless third-party whistle-blowing hotline, in addition to devoted welfare and medical workers accessible on web site – to stop abuse of any type,” Finlays mentioned within the assertion.
Additional, the corporate mentioned each Chebochok and Asava have been reported to Kenyan Police for investigation and additional motion.
“We’ll proceed to work carefully with the police, sharing any extra data that outcomes from investigations,” the corporate added.
The agency additionally confirmed that an impartial investigation has been launched to “absolutely perceive what occurred and the place we are able to enhance”.
“This investigation will cowl two key areas – firstly, inspecting the precise circumstances of exploitation raised inside the programme; secondly, the place we are able to enhance our strategy to stopping and addressing any sexual violence, abuse, or harassment throughout the James Finlay Kenya websites,” Finlays added.
“The primary a part of the investigation shall be led by the Kenyan regulation agency Bowmans, whereas the second half shall be led by moral working practices NGO Accomplice Africa, which specialises in figuring out dangers to individuals and implementing sturdy safety requirements.”
Within the BBC investigation, one lady mentioned she had been contaminated with HIV by her supervisor, after being pressured into having intercourse with him.
One other lady mentioned a divisional supervisor stopped her job till she agreed to have intercourse with him.
“It’s simply torture; he needs to sleep with you, then you definately get a job,” she mentioned.
The expose sparked outrage from members of the general public and lawmakers who’re demanding instant motion in opposition to the agency and the perpetrators.
Nationwide Meeting Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei ordered a committee of MPs to finish an investigation into the allegations inside two weeks.
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