Riots at the incentives paypoint at Social Services in Kakuma

 By Nyak Simon and Sabbath De Yecouba

The start of payment for LWF staffs was today. Workers for LWF humanitarian units refused to receive their incentives today, the third of February, 2011 at quarter to nine at social services where they conduct weekly meetings.

This group which rioted comprised: Gender and community empowerment, Child protection, Youth and sport development, peace education, case workers and cleaners under LWF community services. This is because the finance officer eagerly wanted to pay them their usual amount (Shs. 3,5OO), ignoring pay increment they promised in last year proposal and counterparts and supervisors above that amount. They were in a meeting with their supervisors and counterpart managers who usually prepare pay rolls.
These leaders briefed their fellow workers not to take money if theirs couldn't be increased equaling the rest of refugees working with other units of LWF and other humanitarian organizations.

It was then when the finance officer came and asked if any of those units was ready for payment. These frustrated workers with their leaders insisted to finish their meeting first. Later, the meeting was over and none bothered to talk with the officer.
They dispersed and the counterparts and supervisors remained writing an official letter to the office of LWF reporting this violation of their rights. Journalists in attendance were denied information by counterparts and supervisors, saying they were not recognized although they are refugees unless they have documents. They said they cannot give information to be posted on the website like what Kakuma News Bulletin(Kanebu) did.

These leaders said it(increment) was documented and hence was to be respected. Waiting for the feedback, the finance officer got frightened when each and everyone was leaving. Policemen were surprised. One police roamed if he could be told what was happening yet none wanted to. In comparison with national staffs, refugees are underpaid. Payment for nationals ranges from fifteen thousands to Forty thousands. For sure, work done is equal. These nationals do say they host families and have children whose school fees they pay. Even refugees have families to support. It's not known if it's why they go with that huge pay accusing refugees of getting  free food.

This has not just began. It had been for years including delay in payments for two to three months.This was specifically under LWF.

The next group which was promised too, received at teachers resource center their incentives with increment. These included schools in zones two and four like Kadugli, Turkwel Pre-school, SNE staff, directors office, Kakuma refugee secondary school and Pre-school counterparts which fall under LWF education department. Not only them but also workers for other organizations based in Kakuma.

Discussion is still on and these workers have not had their pays up to now while still working serving the community like advised by Gender counterpart manager who led the meeting. Outcome is anticipated but not known exactly when.

Nyak Simon; is a child development worker, working with LWF community services: child protection unit.