Union Threatens Strike Over Accusations of Preferential Job Promotions at GDC

In the realm of Kenya's energy sector, the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) finds itself under scrutiny, facing accusations of disregarding the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) recommendations on promotions and filling of positions. The core issue revolves around selective job promotions, with the Kenya Electrical Trades and Allied Workers’ Union (KETAWU) alleging that GDC is discriminating against employees by not adhering to SCAC guidelines.

Background

The controversy stems from a circular issued by the SCAC in May 2025. This circular emphasised that academic qualifications acquired in-service should be considered for both internal and external job postings, but not as a basis for automatic promotions. Instead, employees who obtain higher qualifications while in service should apply for vacant positions competitively rather than being upgraded automatically.

Allegations Against GDC

KETAWU claims that GDC is selectively applying these policies, particularly at senior management levels. The union alleges that despite the SCAC's guidance, GDC continues to discriminate against unionizable employees, leading to concerns about fairness in promotion processes.

SCAC's Address of the Issue

In response, the SCAC, through its Secretary Simon Indimuli, has clarified that upgrading staff based solely on in-service qualifications without a competitive process is not compliant with the intended guidelines. This stance seeks to ensure transparency and fairness by requiring employees to apply for positions through a competitive process when vacancies arise.

In addressing the issue, the SCAC is emphasizing the importance of adhering to these guidelines to avoid misinterpretation and ensure that promotions are merit-based and transparent. However, specific actions taken by the SCAC to enforce compliance with GDC beyond issuing clarifications are not detailed in the available information.

Union's Actions and Demands

In light of the allegations, the union has taken several steps. They have requested an audit of the ongoing recruitment process, petitioned the CS to intervene and have GDC management submit the 2025-2029 Collective Bargain Agreement proposal to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission immediately and commence negotiations.

If the issues raised are not addressed, the union has threatened to call for a strike, invoking the Labour Relations Act. They have also requested the rectification of errors previously made, as some of the employees were placed in the wrong job at the time of selection.

Union's Requests and Demands

The union has also called for the suspension of external hiring of staff without advertisement for equal opportunities. They insist that the SCAC advisory is to be implemented only upon all eligible members being recognized and accordingly positioned. They have further requested that the positions of General Manager Finance and Investment, Corporate Services, and Manager Human Resource Management must be advertised internally or externally.

SCAC's Advisory to GDC

In a letter to the Geothermal Development Company, SCAC Secretary Simon Indimuli reiterated that vacancies should be filled openly and competitively as required by the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the approved Human Resource (HR) Instruments. He warned against upgrading staff members solely based on obtained degrees without a competitive and transparent process.

As the situation unfolds, the Geothermal Development Company faces mounting pressure to address these allegations of discrimination and ensure compliance with the SCAC guidelines. The union's threat of a strike serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly have significant implications for the company and its employees, as well as the broader energy sector in Kenya.