Former Telkom Workers Accuse Telposta Pension Scheme of Delaying Compensation Payments

   By Wasike Elvis
A group of former Telkom Kenya employees has accused the Telposta Pension Scheme (TPS) of deliberately delaying their compensation payments through prolonged court battles, leaving many of them in financial distress.
The workers, part of the more than 10,000 employees laid off by the telecommunications company between 2006 and 2007, are demanding over Ksh 8 billion in compensation and interest. This amount was approved by both the Court of Appeal and the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) Tribunal, yet the majority of the payment remains outstanding years later.
Compensation Still Unsettled
Led by their national chairperson, Enoch Aroko, the retirees revealed during a press briefing in Eldoret that the National Treasury had already released funds for their compensation in 2008. Despite this, the group has only received 43% of what they are entitled to.
“The government did its part by releasing the funds in 2008, but Telposta Pension Scheme has failed to pay us in full,” Aroko said. “It is disheartening that after so many years, we are still fighting for what is rightfully ours.”
The retirees are accusing TPS of intentionally dragging the matter in court to avoid making payments. They allege that the scheme has engaged high-profile lawyers to exploit legal technicalities, further delaying proceedings and worsening their financial woes.
Court Rulings Ignored
A court ruling in 2019 squashed TPS’s initial calculations of compensation and ordered a recalculation that reflected the workers’ rightful dues. However, the retirees claim that the scheme has failed to comply with this directive, instead filing appeals to frustrate their efforts to obtain justice.
“Every time we think we are closer to a resolution, another appeal is filed, and the cycle starts again,” said Aroko.
The prolonged legal tussle has left many retirees facing severe financial hardships. Some have reportedly developed stress-related illnesses, while others have succumbed to depression or passed away before receiving their full compensation.
A Plea for Intervention
The retirees are now appealing to President William Ruto to intervene in the matter and ensure that TPS complies with court orders. They are also calling for an investigation into the management of the pension scheme, alleging that its officials may have misappropriated funds meant for their compensation.
“We believe there is more to this delay than just bureaucracy. We need accountability from those entrusted with managing our pensions,” Aroko stated.
The group also wants the government to consider deregistering the Telposta Pension Scheme, arguing that its failure to adhere to legal directives is a clear indication of mismanagement.
Lives in Limbo
For the former Telkom workers, the fight for their pensions is more than just a financial struggle; it is a battle for dignity and justice. Many of them are now elderly and unable to work, relying on the promised compensation to support their families and cover medical expenses.
“Prolonged legal battles continue to take a toll on our health and well-being,” Aroko said, adding that some retirees had lost their homes and livelihoods while waiting for the payments.
The retirees view their plight as symptomatic of a broader issue within the pensions and retirement benefits sector, where delayed or denied payments often leave retirees in destitution. They are calling for reforms to ensure that pension schemes adhere to court rulings and prioritize the welfare of retirees.
National Attention
The plight of the former Telkom workers has drawn national attention, with many Kenyans expressing sympathy for their situation. Civil society organizations and legal experts have also weighed in, urging the government to address the retirees’ grievances and ensure compliance with the rule of law.
“This case sets a dangerous precedent. If court orders can be ignored, what hope do other retirees have of receiving their dues?” one legal analyst commented.
Call for Accountability
The retirees are optimistic that President Ruto’s administration will act decisively to resolve the matter. They hope that intervention at the highest level will compel TPS to release the remaining compensation and bring an end to their years-long ordeal.
“Our case is not just about money; it’s about justice and ensuring that future generations of workers do not face the same struggles,” Aroko concluded.
As the retirees await a resolution, their story remains a stark reminder of the challenges many Kenyan workers face in accessing their retirement benefits, raising critical questions about governance, accountability, and justice in the country’s pension sector.  Read More