Press Releases & News
26 Nov 2007
RVR outsource security and Railways Pension Scheme
Rift Valley Railways (RVR) has retained Alexander Forbes Financial Services East Africa Limited ("Alexander Forbes") to manage its employee benefits portfolio and G4S Security Services to offer security.The move is meant to add punch to efforts by the Kenya-Uganda Railways concessionaire to enhance staff morale and productivity and restore efficiency.
RVR staff will now enjoy a range of customized services and benefits ranging from a contributory retirement fund to death, disability, funeral and medical benefits, the company said in press statement.
Managing director, Roy Puffett added that they would still outsource some of their non-core business to keep down costs.
RVR has already outsourced its security services management to G4S Security Services, transport to Payless Car Hire and cleaning services to Byron Truskett Investment Co.
"As part of our corporate strategy, we are inclined to outsource our employee benefits management function to enable us to concentrate on our core business...the outsourcing is within global benchmarks in such a large industrial concern, and will also enable our human resources division to provide world-class solutions."
Alexander Forbes chief operating officer, Craig Bentley said RVR staff members will benefit from the innovative approach by the firm to structure and manage their benefits. RVR senior management, Bentley explained, insisted that the benefits offered to staff should be equal to, or even better than, previous arrangements.
"As a consequence, the retirement fund was structured to meet this requirement, and the staff participates in a defined contribution fund that is registered with the Retirement Benefits Authority, and approved by the Kenya Revenue Authority," he explained.
"The staff members also enjoy death and disability benefits and comprehensive medical care extending to their spouses and children."
Alexander Forbes provides independent advice, and services to employees, scheme trustees and leading firms in East and Central Africa.
G4S Security Services the leading security firm in the region covers all RVR sites. On selecting G4S, RVR MD says they considered experience and service delivery. He said G4S was the only firm fit to cover its operations in the region.
G4S Communications Manager Carlos Henry confirmed the company operates in all East Africa countries with over 12,000 customers and 15,000 security officers. The company recently held a regional conference in Nairobi to strategize on market expansion.
