By Joyce Nzomo
Eighteen current and former employees of G4S Kenya Limited have filed a suit at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) in Nairobi, accusing the multinational security firm of systemic exploitation, unfair dismissal, and discrimination.
The case, which could evolve into one of the largest class actions in Kenya’s labour sector, has also drawn in the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union and the Private Security Regulatory Authority as interested parties.
In written submissions filed on 28th July 2025, the claimants suing on behalf of more than 1,000 current and former workers allege that G4S has deliberately misclassified courier staff as “watchmen” in order to pay them below the lawful minimum wage.
Couriers, who work long 12-hour shifts, were allegedly paid a flat rate of just Ksh 500 per day, far less than the statutory minimum under the General Wages Amendment Order, 2024. Permanent staff are also said to have been underpaid through the same misclassification.
The workers further accuse G4S of retaliation against whistleblowers and union activity.
The lead claimant, Leonard Omondi Aluko, who had served for 16 years, says he was forced to resign after exposing unfair labour practices.
Two shop stewards, Joyce Kariuki and Bernis Musando, allege they were dismissed in 2024 after convening a staff meeting. A labor conciliator later recommended their reinstatement, but G4S is said to have disregarded the directive.
The claimants also cite discrimination, with one worker alleging dismissal after returning from maternity leave and another claiming she was terminated because of her age, despite already serving two years with the company.
Casual workers who had worked continuously for months or years say their contracts should have been converted to term contracts under law, but instead they were dismissed without notice or benefits.
In their submissions, the employees are asking the court to stop G4S from further victimization or unlawful termination of staff, to certify the case as a class action, and to order the company to immediately stop paying below-legal wages pending a full hearing.
They also want compensation running into millions of shillings for unfair dismissal, underpayment, and discrimination, along with issuance of certificates of service.
The workers argue that without immediate court intervention, they risk suffering “irreparable harm,” including loss of livelihood and dignity as guaranteed under the Constitution.
They insist that G4S would suffer no prejudice if compelled to comply with wage laws, while its employees continue to face exploitation.
The matter is scheduled for hearing on September 22, 2025, before Justice Linet Ndolo.
