ELDOWAS MD’s Contract Not Renewed Amid Employee Outcry
Peter Biwott, the managing director of Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), has been dealt a significant blow as the company’s board of directors has decided not to renew his contract for another three years.
The decision was confirmed by David Singoei, the chairman of the ELDOWAS board, following a lengthy closed-door meeting.
Singoei addressed the media after the four-hour meeting, explaining that Biwott’s contract would not be extended due to poor performance over the past three years.
The review covered key performance areas including human resources, finance, and technical skills.
“During our board meeting, we reviewed the MD’s performance on key areas of human resources, finance, and technical skills, and concluded that his contract would not be renewed due to poor performance,” Singoei stated.
The decision comes in the wake of a dramatic protest by over 300 ELDOWAS employees, who had gathered at the company’s offices demanding Biwott’s immediate resignation. The workers’ grievances focused on Biwott’s failure to convert over 150 employees from casual to permanent and pensionable status, despite their long-term service.
Biwott was expected to appear before the board to address these allegations but failed to do so, citing concerns for his safety. Singoei revealed that Biwott had informed the board via phone that he could not attend due to fears of being attacked by the protesting workers.
Tensions between Biwott and the employees had been mounting since earlier this year when he hired 60 new workers under permanent and pensionable terms, exacerbating the dissatisfaction among long-serving casual and contract employees who had been awaiting similar terms for over 20 years.
The board’s decision to end Biwott’s tenure marks a significant shift in the management of the financially troubled water company, as ELDOWAS seeks to address its internal challenges and improve conditions for its long-serving employees.
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