Precursors to discontentment with work injury benefits among tea factory employees in nyamira county, Kenya

Work injury benefits provide financial support to employees who suffer occupational injuries in the course of employment. Work injury compensation is based on the principle of vicarious liability (liability without fault) which provides that victims of occupational injuries are compensated regardless of who is responsible for the accident or injury.This study specifically sought to establish the influence of the mode of payment on displeasure with compensation for job-related injuries. The research adopted a descriptive cross sectional survey design and targeted 741 employees and managers of tea factories managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) in Nyamira County. Nyamira County was selected due to a relatively high number of injured workers in its tea processing plants who seek the adjudication of courts regarding work injury reparation. The sample size consisted of 254 respondents selected from all the five KTDA factories in Nyamira County, determined according to Krejcie and Morgan (1970) tables of samples.Purposive sampling and proportionate stratified sampling were used to select the study sample. The researcher collected data using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as means, frequency distribution tables and percentages. Chi-square test of independence was used to determine whether the study’s the dependent variable and the independent variable are independent of each other. Data was presented by use of tables, pie charts, histograms, graphs and text. The results of the research revealed that the employee displeasure with compensation for occupational injuries is dependent on the mode of payment of work injury benefits.The study recommends that all payments for occupational injuries be paid in lump sum once the process is concluded.