As Kenyans mark Labour Day with celebrations in honour of workers’ contributions, one woman in Meru County has little to celebrate after decades of seeking justice for unpaid dues.
Joyce Karea Ntoithai, 68, from Giteretu Location in Igembe South, claims she was unfairly dismissed from her job at the then-Nyambene Tea Estate—now operating as Micii-Mikuru Tea Factory—despite nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Ms Ntoithai was first employed in 1978 as a health assistant under the estate’s colonial-era management by Scott and White.
When tea Estates operations were handed over to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) in 1994, she was reassigned to the security department and confirmed as a permanent employee.
In 1997, her employment was terminated after she was accused of possessing 7 kilograms of tea leaves illegally. She contested the allegations in court, presenting receipts to support her case.
The labour court ruled in her favour and ordered her reinstatement—an order that remains unenforced to date.
Despite numerous appeals to institutions such as the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), the Ombudsman’s office, and the labour board, Ms. Ntoithae says she has yet to receive her salary arrears or any form of compensation.
Her prolonged battle underscores the challenges faced by many workers in Kenya who continue to fight for rightful compensation long after their service ends.
As the country honours its workforce today, Ms Ntoithai holds onto hope that this Labour Day may finally mark a turning point in her pursuit of justice.
