Pressure has continued to mount on the government of Kenya following an exposé by the BBC on the sexual harassment on tea farms in Kericho.
Two parliamentarians on Tuesday, February 21, demanded more action to be taken against the perpetrators of the crimes meted on female tea pluckers, as captured by the investigative piece.
Speaking in Parliament on February 21, Kericho Women Representative Beatrice Kemei demanded the Committee on Labour to issue statements on a number of issues.
The lawmaker wanted to know steps taken by the government to protect the rights of the female workers and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
On the other hand, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi condemned the mistreatment of women, calling for action.
“Today I have been reminded that slavery still exists in the country today I stand dejected as this slavery has been going on under our noses as leaders,” complained Elachi.
Meanwhile, James Finlay, a British firm, terminated its contract with two individuals featured in the BBC investigation.
“We have terminated our agreement with Sislo Holdings. All 300 contractors who were working with us through Sislo have been offered direct employment to ensure their livelihoods are not affected-98 percent have accepted,” highlighted the firm in a statement.
"Both individuals have been barred from entering James Finlay Kenya," it noted, adding that it had reported the BBC's allegations against them to the police.
BBC’s Africa Eye documentary featured shocking accounts of sexual exploitation from women working at tea firms after its reporter spent 18 months investigating the matter.
The company revealed that it had launched independent investigations to establish what happened and areas of improvement.
Finlay’s added that it was fully committed to taking decisive action on the investigation findings to prevent similar experiences in the future.
"The investigations will be wholly independent. Management across Finlays will ensure that the Partner Africa teams have full access to everyone who works at James Finlay Kenya, our records, and all processes and procedures in place," the company's statement read in part.
