Community Leaders and Workers Demand Justice for Exploitation at Maji Mazuri Flower Farm

 

Community leaders from the Kapkures Ward and workers from Maji Mazuri Flower Farm are demanding immediate action against alleged exploitation and human rights violations at the farm. The leaders have planned a court appearance on January 27, 2025, to fight for justice and the protection of workers' rights, after being temporarily blocked by a court order from demonstrating at Maji Mazuri Flowers.

Peter Arap Biwott, a community leader and team leader for the demonstration, said the conditions at the farm have become unbearable for workers, particularly women. He pointed to cases of “sex for firewood,” forced labor, and extreme working hours, with employees forced to work over 18 hours a day. "The treatment of these workers has been nothing short of hell," said Biwott. "Women are not employed because they would go on maternity leave, which they claim would result in a loss to the company."

The community leaders have raised concerns about the exploitation of workers, discrimination, and poor management at the farm, which is located in Maji Mazuri. They have called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the farm and have urged the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) to take immediate action.

"We have sent a report to the KHRC offices in Kitale and Nairobi, highlighting the mistreatment and human rights violations," Biwott said. "We demand that investigations be carried out and that stern actions are taken against those responsible. If Mark Juma, the current manager, is not removed, we will demand that the company be shut down."

Kiplimo Kiplimo, a resident of Kapkures Ward, also voiced his grievances, particularly regarding the management's disregard for women workers. "The manager has been firing workers without respect," said Kiplimo. "Women, especially those on their menstrual cycles, face discrimination and additional hardships because of the long working hours."

Musa Koech, another community member, expressed his disappointment over the exploitation, noting that the flower farm, once seen as a hope for local residents, has caused more harm than good. "We were hopeful when the farm opened, but it's been four years since President Daniel Moi's passing, and the situation has only worsened," said Koech. "Lives have been lost, and workers continue to suffer. We demand that all management be removed immediately."

Joseph Etabu, a representative of the Kenya Flower Workers, added his voice to the growing calls for change, stating that leadership under Mark Juma has failed the workers. "Since he took over, conditions at the farm have deteriorated, and the promises of change have not been fulfilled," said Etabu. "We stand with the community and the workers, and we will not let this injustice continue."

The community leaders are calling for the removal of the farm's management, including Mark Juma, and for swift action to address the issues of exploitation, forced labor, and discrimination at the flower farm. With their court appearance scheduled for January 27, they are determined to see that justice is served and that the workers' rights are protected.

January 24, 2025