KEDA Ceramics Miwani Workers Raise Concerns Ahead of ISO Inspection
The KEDA Ceramics factory in Miwani, Kisumu County, has become the focus of growing labour-related concerns, with several employees alleging excessive working hours, withheld compensation, discrimination, and intimidation.
Workers claim that despite routinely clocking approximately 225 hours per month, only 195 hours are recognized as standard working time.
Some employees also allege that complaints raised internally have not resulted in meaningful action.
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Allegations of Intimidation and Workplace Pressure
According to accounts shared anonymously with this publication, employees report working 12-hour shifts and claim that raising grievances may attract threats of dismissal.
Some workers further allege instances of discriminatory treatment and physical mistreatment by supervisors. These claims have not been independently verified.
Management at KEDA Ceramics has not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of publication.
Claims of Staged Preparations Ahead of ISO Visit
The concerns intensified as officials from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) prepare to inspect the factory.
Several workers allege that management has taken steps to present a favorable image during the inspection.
According to insiders:
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Employees have reportedly been instructed to wear branded T-shirts during inspection days.
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Selected workers are allegedly being prepared to give positive accounts regarding pay and working hours.
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Workers claim they have been warned against speaking directly to inspectors about grievances.
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A memo dated February 21, 2025 reportedly instructed residents not to hang clothes outside during specified inspection hours.
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New dining structures have allegedly been introduced to demonstrate provision of lunch breaks.
Workers allege that these measures are intended to create an appearance of compliance with labour standards.
The company has not issued an official statement addressing these claims.
Community Concerns
Beyond labour issues, sections of the Miwani community have previously raised concerns about:
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Road damage caused by heavy-duty vehicles linked to the factory.
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Hiring practices allegedly favoring workers from outside Kisumu County.
These concerns have sparked intermittent protests in recent months.
Calls for Independent Investigation
Employees are now urging ISO officials to conduct an independent and thorough inspection, including confidential interviews with workers.
They are also calling upon:
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The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection
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The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE)
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The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU)
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The National Assembly Labour Committee
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County labour offices
to investigate the allegations.
Workers further propose:
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Independent audits of wage records
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Anonymous testimony mechanisms to protect whistleblowers
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Strict enforcement of occupational safety standards
Civil society organizations and labour rights groups are being urged to monitor the situation closely.
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Awaiting Official Response
As the ISO inspection approaches, attention remains focused on whether the audit will fully assess working conditions at the Miwani facility.
The allegations remain claims by workers and have not been independently verified by authorities.
If substantiated, they could raise significant questions about compliance with Kenya’s labour laws and international workplace standards.
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