Human resource consultancy and labour outsourcing firm Sachi East Africa Limited, which supplies workers to several businesses in Kenya including Keitt Exporters Limited and Avoafrica Oil Industries in Kenol, Makuyu, Muranga County, is under the spotlight after employees raised concerns over their employment terms, remuneration and what they describe as a workplace environment that discourages staff from speaking out about labour related grievances.
According to the complaint, many employees are engaged as general workers under short term contracts that are renewed every month, an arrangement they say has created constant uncertainty over continued employment and left workers worried that raising concerns could result in their contracts not being renewed.
The workers further claim that they regularly work shifts of up to 12 hours a day, yet maintain that overtime is not being fairly compensated, while salaries paid to employees, particularly those assigned to the production unit at Avoafrica Oil Industries, remain low compared to the hours worked and the demands of the job.
The complaint also raises questions over statutory deductions, with employees alleging that contributions such as those meant for the National Social Security Fund are not always consistently remitted despite deductions reportedly being made from their salaries.
It is further alleged that attempts to raise these concerns internally are often met with intimidation, with workers claiming that employees who question workplace conditions or seek clarification on employment matters risk victimisation or losing their jobs, a situation they say has left many members of staff afraid to voice their concerns openly.
The workers are now calling on Sachi East Africa Limited and the relevant labour authorities to look into the complaints, address the concerns surrounding employment practices, remuneration and statutory remittances, and ensure employees can report workplace grievances without fear of retaliation.
"Hello Cyprian. I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to you because of your courage in highlighting issues that many people are afraid to speak about publicly. I would like to bring to your attention the situation facing employees working under Sachi East Africa Limited, an HR consultancy that provides manpower to Keitt Exporters Limited in Kenol, Makuyu, Murang’a County. Many of us are employed under the title of "general worker," but the conditions we work under are extremely harsh. Employees are placed on short-term contracts renewed monthly, which creates constant uncertainty and fear of job loss. Despite working long hours, often up to 12 hours a day, there are serious concerns that overtime is not being fairly compensated, and salaries are low, especially for the production unit team under Avoafrica Oil Industries. Additionally, there are growing concerns among workers about statutory deductions such as NSSF not being consistently remitted. Attempts to raise these issues internally are often met with intimidation, and in some cases, workers who speak up risk losing their jobs. Because of this environment, many employees feel voiceless and afraid to come forward openly. I kindly request that you look into this matter and, if possible, help shed light on these concerns. Your platform could make a meaningful difference in bringing attention to the welfare of workers who feel unheard and unprotected. Thank you for your time and for the work you do in giving a voice to those who need it most. Kind regards, Concerned Workers."
