Telkom under fire for discriminating against Kenyans

Telecommunications company Telkom Kenya is now facing a tough court battle after the jobs distribution row pitting local employees and expatriates took a new shift.

According to local employees, as quoted by the Standard Newspaper, all senior positions have been reserved and given to foreigners while locals have been left with the ‘small’ positions.

Telcom Manager Jean Maria Garcia and her personal Secretary Tatevik Khurshudyan, who is an Armenian, have been sued for discriminating against Kenyans in recruiting staff for the company.

“I know of my own knowledge that the 1st Respondent who is a Foreign national and works in a senior management position at the Telkom Kenya Limited is allegedly known to have oppressed, disrespected, humiliated and racially discriminated junior employees who are of Kenyan origin and who work for the the company,” Mr Mokua said in his application as quoted by the Standard.

Mr. Mokua questioned the employment of Ms Khurshudyan as Mr. Garcia’s (French) personal secretary.

Garcia is the Chief Technology Information Officer and the Acting Chief Executive Officer.

He is accused of allegedly oppressing, disrespecting, humiliating and racially discriminating junior employees who are of Kenyan origin.

The petitioner wants the court to compel him (Garcia) to step down and employment of foreigners revoked immediately.

The Kenyan government owns some 30 percent of shares in the company while France Telcom owns 70 percent but all top decision making positions are held by expatriates.