APs on go-slow in Eldoret town
Distraught clients queue outside a closed Equity Bank branch in Eldoret town following a go-slow by Administration Police officers on November 1, 2012. Photo/JARED NYATAYA
What you need to know:
- APs are demanding a salary increment of 23 per cent
- APs cite frequent harassment and threats from senior officers as reasons for go-slow
Financial institutions in Eldoret town on Thursday came to a standstill after Administration Police officers withdrew their services demanding a review of their salaries.
APs are demanding salary increment of 23 per cent as well as better working conditions.
Junior officers have also cited unending harassments, threats and lack of democracy by their senior bosses as reasons for go-slow.
“We demand a salary increase of 23 per cent and decent working conditions, especially housing. Our senior officers have also been harassing us,” said an AP officer from Eldoret West District headquarters who requested anonymity.
The go-slow prompted financial institutions to halt operations.
A spot check by Nation revealed distraught customers seeking for banking services queuing outside the closed halls. The officers also turned away cash-in-transit security vans.
“I was here early in the morning to pay my tuition fees and sit for my exams, but I found the bank closed because APs are on strike,” said Ms Beryl Auma, a university student at Eldoret.
Regular police both in uniform and civilian intensified security patrols to deter criminal activities.
Security guards were deployed to a few banks that were operational. Eldoret town has about 25 banks that are guarded by APs.
However, mobile money transfer operators recorded a booming business with surge in cash transactions.
“We have recorded an increase of clients depositing large amounts of cash since majority of the banks have halted their services,” said an M-pesa agent based at Oginga Odinga street.
