Wednesday February 22, 2023
Some female workers on tea farms said they have no choice but to give into sexual demands of their bosses
The Kenyan parliament has ordered an inquiry into BBC allegations of sexual abuse on tea plantations, local news site Capital FM reports.
Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei reportedly asked for its completion within two weeks.
The BBC found more than 70 women had been abused by their managers at plantations operated by Unilever and James Finlay.
The two companies say they have suspended the managers in question and are shocked by the allegations.
It followed a statement to MPs by Beatrice Kemei, woman representative for Kericho county, where the plantations are located.She said she was shocked by the expose - and wanted all women to be respected in their places of work.
"I wish to warn all proprietors doing business within our county that they must not only employ our people but also respect their human rights.
"I urge all the residents of Kericho county, both men and women, to feel safe to speak up and report any allegation of sexual harassment in their workplaces."