Drama as union officials storm EPZ branch over workers' welfare

When Tailors and Textile Workers Union Secretary General Rev Joel Chebii stormed the Top New Knitwear manufacturing company at EPZ in Athi River on August 19, 2025. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

There was drama at the Athi River-based Export Processing Zone (EPZ) after officials from the Tailors and Textile Workers Union stormed the textile manufacturing company to know the fate of the workers.

Led by the organization’s Secretary General, Rev Joel Chebii, the officials demanded to know how Top New Knitwear Manufacturing company changed its ownership without first considering to pay the workers of their dues.

There was a commotion between the officers and the company management who are Chinese investors, after Chebii forcibly entered their office demanding to know why they were not cooperating.

The Secretary general later addressed the more than 1,200 workers where he requested them to be calm as the union proceeded with negotiations.

He also promised the workers that he will sign a return-to-work letter with the new management, as they prepare to pay them their dues.

''We have come to rescue you from the hands of this bad people, we will not leave here until we get the answers of how the ownership changed without paying your dues'' said Chebii.

Addressing the press within the company premises, Rev Chebii accused the investors of intimidating its workers.

''In China, trade unions and the government work together hand in hand, and the union is automatic in all companies, but when they invest in Kenya, they frustrate our workers and intimidate them not to join the union, we will not sit and watch them do this as we watch'' said Rev Chebii.

The union official said the company was previously owned by Madam Candy Ma before changing its management abruptly to a new Chinese general Manager Mr Ye Shuman.

''How can the ownership of a company change hands without paying benefits to the workers, this is unbelievable'' said Chebii.

In a letter dated August 17 2025, the union wrote to President William Ruto, through the Secretary General Central Organization of Trade Unions in Kenya requesting the said company to be blacklisted following various complains by the workers.