Ex-Serviceman’s Compensation Dues Settled After Twenty-Three Years

A widow of a deceased ex-serviceman finally received the General Personal Accident (GPA) insurance dues owed to the estate of her late husband following the Commission’s intervention in a case of inordinate delay. 

Ms. Chepkorir complained to the Commission alleging delay in processing of GPA insurance dues. According to her, she is the widow of late SPTE Kipkori Korir who died in line of duty on 16th December 2000 through a road accident. She followed up on compensation and was advised that the compensation would be effected through the office of the District Commissioner Nakuru but that was never done despite numerous visits to the office. Her predicament impelled her to complain to the Commission at the Huduma Centre, Nakuru.

The Commission by way of inquiry took up the matter with the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence. In his response, the PS indicated that the deceased’s benefits were processed and paid to the widow in two installments of Ksh212,126 through the District Commissioner, Nakuru, on 6th November 2001, and Ksh72,802 plus the monthly arrears with effect from 16th November 2000 to 30th June 2003 at the rate of Kshs. 2,385. However, Ms. Chepkorir denied receiving any of those payments prompting the Ministry to conduct further investigations on the issue. 

In their letter to the Commission in November 2022, the Ministry acknowledged that they reviewed the matter and noted that there were quite several claims with some dating back to 2000 which the insurer failed to honour but assured the Commission that the compensation dues in respect of the estate of Spte Korir would be processed and paid under the Kenya Defence Forces Compensation Scheme. 

Based on a follow-up from the Commission, the Ministry in April 2023 confirmed that the matter had been settled.

“The complainant visited the headquarters on 28th March 2023 and signed the discharge voucher to process the outstanding payment. The matter is now settled and there is no further claim from the complainant,” read a letter from the Ministry to the Commission.

Ms. Chepkorir confirmed receipt of Kshs. 567,000 being the insurance dues owed to the estate.