On 28 April, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board declined to renew Josiah Moriasi's contract as CEO, citing poor performance and mismanagement. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Hellen Wasilwa has stopped the board from sacking Moriasi until a suit he has filed challenging his dismissal is heard and determined.
Moriasi, who was appointed CEO in October 2016, argued that the board's refusal to renew his contract was in bad faith and not backed by any evidence. He claimed that he was condemned unheard and not given a chance to defend himself against the accusations.
According to Moriasi's lawyer, Okong'o Omogeni, the decision to sack Moriasi was made by only half of the board members, who were not privy to his good work and how he had steered the organisation towards achieving its goals. Omogeni also alleged that the board's chairman, Victor Mwongera, made disparaging remarks against Moriasi's reappointment to influence other members.
Judge Wasilwa directed that the application be served on the Youth Fund Board and chairman for them to respond before the hearing on 13 May.
Published on 5 May 2020.
