Union plans demos over NSSF scandal

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By Antony Gitonga and Bryan Tumwa

Kenya: The Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU) has called for a one-week protest over the scandal that has rocked NSSF.

According to the union, the peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi will be held between January 6 and 13, to protest the development of infrastructure in Tassia Funds project.

The union said workers stood to lose a whooping Sh2.5 billion after the tender was illegally awarded to a Chinese firm.

KPAWU Organising Secretary Meshack Khisa, said the deal was inflated and there were questions as to how it was awarded.

In a press statement, Mr Khisa called on workers to join in the protest so that President Uhuru Kenyatta could intervene.

Khisa praised Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli for exposing the scandal and called for more investigations into the issue.

He noted that the blame lay with the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Labour for failing to act over the inflated tender.

“The matter was never raised in the board meeting where workers are represented by Cotu and workers will be the biggest losers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cotu now wants the controversial Tassia Estate housing project stopped because of flaws in the tendering process.

The project has been the subject of controversy after Atwoli blew the whistle alleging that the insurer would lose billions of shillings if it was given a go ahead.

The project located in Nairobi’s Eastlands allegedly received an approval of Sh5.05 billion for putting up roads and a sewerage system in the new estate.

Atwoli warned that the fund was exposed to corruption and wastage of resources as a result of the approval of the “dubious contracts.”

“The above project must be stopped forthwith until a proper review of the investments committee of the board and the full board meets to discuss the matter,” said Atwoli.

In a letter addressed to Richard Langat, the Managing Trustee of NSSF, Atwoli expressed dismay at the approval of the enhanced budget for the project yet the committee he chairs had not been involved. He also alleged that there was no quorum at the time for the board to transact any business.

“It is obvious that the fund will lose money if this project proceeds as currently envisaged,” he said.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero had weighed into the matter when he urged the insurer to construct roads and drainage systems to enable those who bought into the estate to live comfortably.

“These plots were sold as unserviced plots and I have several copies of agreements between plot owners and NSSF in my possession,” said Atwoli in a letter that was copied to among others the Anti-graft Czar Mumo Matemu and Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi.

At the same time, KPAWU has called on the Government and Nakuru County government to intervene over the crisis at Karuturi flower farm in Naivasha.