This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Kenya Power, the country's largest electricity distributor, is feeling the pinch of the government's financial constraints. As a result, the company has announced that it will no longer provide afternoon tea for its employees, effective December 1.
The decision was made by the company's management, led by Acting General Manager, Human Resources & Administration David Monandi, who stated that the move is part of a broader effort to 'manage various costs'.
Monandi's statement, issued on Tuesday, acknowledged that the company is facing significant financial challenges, including high staff maintenance costs and shrinking revenues. He noted that the company is struggling to balance its books due to unsustainable costs, particularly overtime travel and associated expenses.
Managing Director Bernard Ngugi echoed Monandi's sentiments, stating that the company is grappling with high staff maintenance costs and shrinking revenues. He cited instances of employees reporting late to work and leaving early, which have been noted with concern.
Ngugi emphasized that supervisors will be held accountable for containing and controlling various costs in their respective dockets, including offering effective leadership.
The move has sparked debate online, with many questioning the effectiveness of cutting back on employee perks in addressing the company's financial struggles. A veteran journalist quipped that the money saved from eliminating afternoon tea is a 'drop in the ocean' compared to the company's precarious financial position.
Kenya Power has faced criticism in the past for inflating electricity bills, with the company agreeing to an out-of-court settlement after a city lawyer challenged the new power tariffs. The company's managers have also been summoned by senators over the issue.
