More than 100 workers at EveReady East Africa Ltd will go home after the Nakuru-based plant is converted into a rental property.
The workers will allegedly be sent home at a cost of Sh110 million while the 20-acre piece of land the company occupies is converted for other use.
“We have no alternative but to shut down the factory. We have sent our workers home waiting for their terminal benefits,” said a senior employee outside the gates who opted to remain anonymous.
He added: “We had hoped to talk to the workers but unfortunately they have left in a huff. We hope to talk to them when they will be coming to pick their termination letters,” said another senior employee.
More than 18 G4S guards were strategically stationed at the five gates around the factory located along the Nakuru–Eldoret highway to prevent any commotion that would arise. John Kimwaki, a casual worker, said they were never given any notice and pleaded with the labour ministry to intervene.
“We were never alerted and to our surprise this morning, we were chased by the guards. Even if the premise has been rented out, they should not replace us since we have got families to take care of. I hope the ministry of labour and the county government will come to our rescue,” said Kimwaki.
The Nakuru branch management opted not to speak to journalists and said the managing director Jackson Mutua would have a media briefing in Nairobi.