Nairobi, Feb. 23 -- A former top employee of Access Bank has lost a bid to overturn her dismissal by the lender over suspected fraud.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court ruled that the bank had valid grounds to fire the officer, Tabitha Taracha, for the alleged irregular cash credits from the lender to her account and subsequent withdrawals. The court found that the termination was valid despite procedural flaws.

It was alleged that she irregularly deposited and withdrew more than Sh11.6 million through her personal account and later admitted to the misconduct in writing following inquiries by the bank.

While acknowledging shortcomings in the disciplinary process, the court held that Taracha's admission "mitigated the need for a ...