James Finlays Kenya, the British company implicated in a BBC sex for jobs expose has suspended the two contractors exposed sexually exploiting workers at their Kericho factory.
The firm said in a statement issued on Monday, that it has terminated its agreement with John Chebochok’s company Sislo Holdings, and absorbed all 300 contractors who were working through Sislo to ensure their livelihoods are not affected. Both John Chebochock and John Asava were secretly filmed preying on women workers at James Finlays Kenya in exchange for employment.
The women narrated how they were infected with HIV by the two individuals who forced them to sleep with them in exchange for employment.
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“There is no place for behaviour of this kind anywhere in our business. We firmly believe that everyone should feel safe when they come to work at Finlays. That is why we have robust policies and procedures in place – such as comprehensive guidance to staff, detailed and continuous training programmes, an anonymous third-party whistleblowing hotline, as well as dedicated welfare and medical staff available on site – to prevent abuse of any kind,” Said Finlays in the statement.
Finlays has instituted internal investigations and reported the matter to the authorities for action.
“We reported the BBC allegations against John Chebochok and John Asava to the Kenyan Police. We will continue to work closely with the police, sharing any additional information that results from investigations. An independent investigation has been launched to fully understand what happened and where we can improve,” the statement read further.
Finlays further said its investigation will seek to examine the specific cases of exploitation raised within the programme and where they can improve their approach to preventing and addressing any sexual violence, abuse, or harassment across the firm.
