[2021] KEELRC 26 (KLR)
The court found that the respondent failed to appear or defend the claim, and no work records were produced to challenge the claimant's evidence. The termination of the claimant's employment was effected without notice, reason, or due process as required by the Employment Act, 2007. The court held that such...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2021] KEELRC 26 (KLR)
- Parties
- Claimant: Maureen Nyaboke; Respondent: Creative Consolidated System Limited
- Court
- Employment and Labour Relations Court
- Court Station
- Employment and Labour Relations Court at Nairobi
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Cause 2392 of 2016
- Procedural Posture
- Employment Cause / Judgment
- Outcome
- Judgment for the claimant.
- Legal Topics
- Unfair Termination, Notice Pay, Leave Entitlement, Service Pay, Overtime Claims, Compensation for Dismissal
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Maureen Nyaboke
Claimant
Creative Consolidated System Limited
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Employment Cause / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the claimant's employment was unfairly terminated without notice or due process.
- 2 Whether the claimant is entitled to notice pay, leave pay, unpaid salary, compensation, and other dues as claimed.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the respondent failed to appear or defend the claim, and no work records were produced to challenge the claimant's evidence. The termination of the claimant's employment was effected without notice, reason, or due process as required by the Employment Act, 2007. The court held that such termination is unfair and entitles the claimant to compensation. Notice pay was awarded due to lack of due process. Leave pay was limited to the statutory maximum accumulation period of 18 months. Claims for overtime and service pay were declined due to lack of sufficient evidence. The claimant was also awarded unpaid wages for the days worked in July. The court entered judgment in...
Court Disposition
Judgment for the claimant.
Orders
- The respondent shall pay the claimant compensation of Ksh.29,400.
- The respondent shall pay the claimant notice pay of Ksh.9,800.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
41 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR RELATIONS COURT OF KENYA
AT NAIROBI
CAUSE NO.2392 OF 2016
MAUREEN NYABOKE............................................................................CLAIMANT
VERSUS
CREATIVE CONSOLIDATED SYSTEM LIMITED.....................RESPONDENT
JUDGEMENT
On 24th November, 2016 the claimant filed the Memorandum of Claim and served summons upon the respondent on 6th December, 2016. There was no appearance or response filed by the respondent. There are returns to confirm service upon the respondent.
The claim is that on 14th July, 2008 the respondent employed the clamant at a wage of Ksh.9, 800 per month but on 21st July, 2016 terminated employment without notice, reason or due process.
The claimant is seeking the following dues;
a) Notice pay at Ksh.9,800;
b) Unpaid leave for 8 years Ksh.78,400;
c) Unpaid overtime for 48 dyes ksh.23,520;
d) Service pay for 8 years Ksh.39,200;
e) Unpaid salary for July Ksh.9,800; and
f) Costs
The claimant is also seeking payment of compensation for unfair termination of employment and punitive and aggravated damages for breach of constitutional rights.
The claimant testified in support of the claim that upon employment by the respondent she worked diligently, the wage remained ksh.9, 800 per month, there was not NSSF paid for her until 21st July, 2016 when her employment was suspended without being given any reasons, notice or a hearing which led to unfair termination of employment and the claims made should be allowed with cots.
Determination
In her pleadings, the claimant does not state the position she held with the respondent. the wage paid as ksh.9, 800 can only apply to a general labourer and without any skills.
In the absence of the respondent, no defence filed or work records, the claims made are not challenged.
Employment must terminate pursuant to the provisions of section 35, 41, 43 and 45 of the Employment Act, 2007. The employer must issue the employee with notice, allow the employee a hearing, give reasons leading to termination of employment and apply the due process.
The failure to abide the due process, termination of employment is unfair and compensation is due pursuant to section 45 and 49 of the Employment Act, 2007.
The claimant worked for 8 years as noted in her pleadings and evidence. compensation of 3 months gross wage is hereby found appropriate all at ksh.29, 400.
Notice pay is due for lack of due process and pursuant to section 35 of the Employment Act all at Ksh.9, 800.
The claimant is seeking leave pay for 8 years. pursuant to section 28(2) of the Employment Act, leave can only be accumulated for 18 months and what is due is Ksh.14, 700.
On the claim for unpaid overtime for 48 days, the claimant in her pleadings and evidence did not outline as to how this claim arose. Equally on the claim for service pay, save to urge the court that her NSSF as not paid, there is no case as to the nature of employment. such claims are declined.
Salary for work done is payable whatever the reasons leading to termination of employment. for the 21 days the claimant is entitled to ksh.6, 860.
Accordingly, judgement is hereby entered for the claimant against the respondent in the following terms;
a) Compensation Ksh.29,400;
b) Notice pay ksh.9,800;
c) Leave pay Ksh.14,700;
d) Unpaid wages for July Ksh.6, 860.
e) Costs of the suit.
DELIVERED IN COURT AT NAIROBI THIS 20TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2021.
M. MBAR?
JUDGE
In the presence of:
Court Assistant: Okodoi
............................... and .....................