[2023] KEELRC 1825 (KLR)

[2023] KEELRC 1825 (KLR)

The court found that the claimant was employed on a series of fixed-term contracts over five years, with each contract being renewed and the claimant allowed to continue working even after contract expiry. This consistent practice created a reasonable expectation of renewal. The respondent's assertion that the...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] KEELRC 1825 (KLR)
Parties
Applicant: Mark Mbau Muthee; Respondent: Rai Radio Televisione Italiana
Court
Employment and Labour Relations Court
Court Station
Employment and Labour Relations Court at Nairobi
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Cause 2244 of 2015
Procedural Posture
Employment Cause / Judgment
Outcome
Claim partly allowed for the claimant.
Judges
J Rika
Legal Topics
Fixed Term Contracts, Unfair Termination, Reasonable Expectation of Renewal, Employment Benefits, Disciplinary Procedure
Source Language
en
Employment and Labour Fixed Term Contracts Unfair Termination Reasonable Expectation of Renewal Employment Benefits Disciplinary Procedure

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Parties

Mark Mbau Muthee

Applicant

Rai Radio Televisione Italiana

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Employment Cause / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the claimant had a reasonable expectation of renewal of his fixed-term contract after 30th June 2015.
  2. 2 Whether the claimant's contract was terminated by the respondent, and if so, whether the termination was unfair and unlawful.
  3. 3 Whether the claimant is entitled to the remedies sought, including salary in lieu of notice, annual leave, paternity leave, compensation for unfair termination, and other benefits.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the claimant was employed on a series of fixed-term contracts over five years, with each contract being renewed and the claimant allowed to continue working even after contract expiry. This consistent practice created a reasonable expectation of renewal. The respondent's assertion that the contract ended by effluxion of time was contradicted by its own evidence, including a dismissal letter and testimony that the claimant was dismissed due to a criminal charge. The court held that dismissal on the basis of being charged, without disciplinary proceedings or proof of guilt, was not a valid or fair reason under the Employment Act. The respondent failed to follow fair...

Court Disposition

Claim partly allowed for the claimant.

Orders

  • Declaration that non-renewal and termination of the claimant’s contract was unfair and unlawful.
  • Respondent to pay claimant 1-month salary in lieu of notice at Kshs. 306,495.