Nairobi, Kenya: Orange Telkom Kenya wishes to respond to allegations made in a cross section of the press of reported “racial discrimination, harassment and domination on Kenyan staff.
There have been no cases of racial discrimination, harassment or domination, as alleged to the media. Moreover, our HR Policy does not tolerate this and such matters are to be addressed and dealt with conclusively, in the event that they do occur.
In addition, Orange Telkom Kenya’s Company and HR Policies as well as the Labour Laws of Kenya guide the process of recruitment of and separation with the company. Currently, there is only one expatriate in the stated Department; the Chief Technology Information Officer (CTIO) himself, Mr. Jean-Marie Garcia, who brings more than 30 years’ experience from the ICT sector.
In addition, the department has competent local staff in charge of the operational deliverables of the department thereby rendering the allegation that ‘locals have been left with the small positions’ inaccurate and baseless.
Orange Telkom Kenya will, nonetheless, from time to time, have consultants within its facilities, seconded to us by our suppliers, to assist with short term projects. These contractors are not Telkom Kenya staff and thus do not draw a salary or any direct benefits from the business as remuneration and/or salary.
The company also clarifies that the CTIO has never been Acting CEO, in the CEO’s absence, thereby rendering inaccurate, the allegations made on the same.
Orange Telkom Kenya is assessing all options at its disposal to conclusively address this matter.
The row over distribution of jobs at Telkom Kenya between local workers and expatriates has now moved to court.
Top Telcom Kenya Manager Jean Maria Garcia and her Armenian personal Secretary Tatevik Khurshudyan have been sued by Mr Amos Mokua on grounds of discriminating against Kenyans.
"I know of my own knowledge that the 1st Respondent who is a Foreign national and works in a senior management position at the Telkom Kenya Limited is allegedly known to have oppressed, disrespected, humiliated and racially discriminated junior employees who are of Kenyan origin and who work for the the company," Mr Mokua said in his application.
He specifically took issue with the employment of Ms Khurshudyan, an Armenian National, as a personal secretary. Mr Garcia who is a French national is the Chief Technology Information Officer (CTIO) at the company and is at the moment the acting Chief Executive Officer of the company. The petition accuses Mr Garcia of allegedly oppressing disrespecting, humiliating and racial discriminating junior employees who are of Kenyan origin and who work for the Telkom Kenya.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join