The Employment and Labour Relations Court has ordered the Kenya Revenue Authority to pay 23 police officers compensation after their secondment to the agency was ended without proper notice three years ago.
The court found that the abrupt termination caused undue hardship for the officers and their families, affecting their finances and personal planning.
The affected officers were among a team of 60 seconded to KRA’s investigations and enforcement department. In January 2023, they were returned to the National Police Service, with no prior explanation or guidance from KRA.
The officers argued that the sudden decision forced them to face unexpected relocation costs and disrupted their family commitments.
KRA explained that the terminations were intended to allow the agency to work with the National Police Service under a new collaboration framework for security and law enforcement activities.
However, the court held that the agency’s right to end the contracts did not absolve it from providing notice that would allow the officers and their families to plan for changes in salary and living arrangements.
“The treatment of the petitioners by the respondent (KRA) was indeed harsh and inhumane and in breach of their constitutional rights, in particular fair labour rights under article 41 of the Constitution, inhumane and degrading treatment under article 28 of the Constitution, and Fair Administrative Action under article 47 of the Constitution,” the court stated.
The ruling directed KRA to pay the 23 officers four months’ salary in compensation, along with the legal costs of the petition.
During their time at KRA, the officers had received higher pay and additional benefits, including medical cover for themselves, their spouses, and four children, group personal accident insurance, and 30 pro-rated paid leave days for each year of service.
The officers said they received termination notices on February 3, 2023, without any justification. They told the court that the sudden end of their secondment created financial strain and disrupted commitments such as housing payments, school fees, and loans, adding to the burden on their families.
