Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has protested a move by labour cabinet secretary, Kazungu Kambi to dissolve the National Industrial training Authority (NITA) board, terming it as ill-informed.
FKE yesterday raised issues with the CS over what it claimed to be plans for total disbandment of the board charged with setting quality standards and efficiency of Industrial Training in Kenya.
NITA is also mandated to ensure adequate supply of properly trained manpower is achieved in the country.
The employer’s body has said the ‘uni-lateral,’ action was done with disregard of the role of social partners, terming it punitive and accusing the CS for being self-centered.
FKE Executive director, Jacqueline Mugo said the federation has not received any prior communication from the CS over the action, which she said went against the current constitution dispensation.
“FKE objects to this ill-informed and unilateral action which has become a pattern which dominates the Cabinet Secretary’s tenure whereby disregard of the role of the Social Partners seems to be the norm,” said Mugo.
According to section 4 (11) of the Industrial Training Act, Cap 237 Laws of Kenya the Cabinet Secretary has not been granted power to dissolve the entire Board or removal of a board member of NITA unless they are deemed sick and have not been attending meetings.
Three of the federations’ nominees, including its Executive director, Mabati rolling mills Managing Director, Hirji Shah and its former chairman, Aram Mbui have been removed from the board without a ‘valid,’ reason, it said yesterday in a statement.
The board consists of a total of 12 representatives from the ministry of labour, National treasury, FKE and Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU).
A letter dated October 27, Kambi issued the directive through his principal secretary only pointing out the NITA board no longer had the capacity to transact its business.
Kambi also directed that an administrative process be set in motion for the gazettement of the directive.
However, FKE said the publication of gazette notice should not be endorsed.
“FKE has since written to Honourable the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya asking him to advise against such punitive and self serving moves by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Social Security and services,” said Mugo
