This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
Kenya Airways, the country's national carrier, has been struggling to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline has been grounded since March, and as a result, has had to make significant cuts to its workforce.
On June 24th, the airline's Chief Human Resources Officer, Evelyne Munyoki, sent out letters to workers on probation, informing them that their appointments would be terminated, effective immediately. The letters stated that the decision was made due to the circumstances surrounding the pandemic, and that the employees would be paid their dues, including salary, allowances, and accrued leave days, up to June 24th.
According to the letters, the employees would also receive one month's salary in lieu of notice, and any debt owed to the airline would be fully deducted. The airline has also been sending out emails to all employees, preparing them for the possibility of retrenchment. In one such email, CEO Allan Kilavuka wrote, 'I am aware that many of you may be anxious about your future given the very many variables that this COVID-19 crisis has presented... Kenya Airways is no different and will also have to shrink in order to survive and Government support is imperative for this to happen.'
Kenya Airways has already terminated dozens of contracts, leaving some contract staff without benefits. The airline has been struggling to stay afloat, and it remains to be seen how it will recover from the effects of the pandemic.
