"UoN proposes law change to keep employees from layoffs"

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has drafted legislative proposals, which include a clause shielding employees from being fired during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Covid-19 Response and Management Draft Bill also seeks to bar Kenya Power and all water companies from disconnecting crucial services to their clients due to non-payment until the country is declared coronavirus free. The Bill also pushes for reconnection for those cut off from power and water before the pandemic was declared, and compels providers to offer the services until Covid-19 is defeated...

“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Employment Act, no employer shall terminate, lay off or declare any employee redundant during the pandemic, and for a six-month period thereafter,” reads the document prepared by the university in collaboration with experts in public health, corporate governance and other sectors. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 disease in Kenya, several private companies have sent their employees on leave while others were considering laying off due to the economic impact of the disease.