Reports of alleged poor working conditions at Samrat Supermarket in Diani, Kwale County, have emerged after multiple employees raised complaints over remuneration, working hours and staff treatment, claiming that workers at the establishment are subjected to long shifts, limited employment benefits and a workplace environment that has left staff members dissatisfied.
According to the employees, workers at the supermarket operate from 8am to 8pm without overtime compensation, with staff members claiming that their monthly salaries stand at about Ksh 10,000 despite the extended working hours and responsibilities assigned to them.
The employees further claim that they are not provided with regular off days or annual leave, alleging that staff members continue working for extended periods without adequate rest or time away from duty.
The workers also raise concerns over their interactions with the supermarket management, claiming that disagreements with the manager, identified as Mihir, often result in employees being dismissed abruptly and in front of customers.
The employees claim that some staff members have also been required to perform duties outside their assigned roles, alleging that workers such as Kiplimo and Obed, who previously worked as shamba boys for the manager, have continued handling similar responsibilities alongside their supermarket duties, with refusal allegedly resulting in dismissal.
The workers further claim that employees who resign from the supermarket are not issued recommendation letters, a situation they say affects their ability to secure future employment opportunities.
Concerns have also been raised over meals provided to staff, with the employees claiming that workers receive two small chapatis and mchicha for breakfast, alongside lunch sourced from a local kibanda, which they describe as inadequate considering the duration of their shifts.
The employees are now calling on the Ministry of Labour and relevant authorities in Kwale County to look into the complaints and assess the working conditions at Samrat Supermarket, urging intervention over what they describe as challenges affecting workers at the establishment.
At the time the complaints were raised, the allegations had not been independently verified, and Samrat Supermarket management had not issued a public response regarding the claims.
"Hello Cyprian. Kindly hide my ID. I am one of the employees working at this supermarket located in Diani, Kwale County, called Samrat. This supermarket is managed by Mihir, an Indian guy who always frustrates employees.
(1) No off day.
(2) No leave.
(3) They pay Ksh 10,000 per month.
(4) In case of misunderstanding with the boss, he will chase you away like burukenge in front of customers.
(5) They offer 2 small chapatis and mchicha to staff for breakfast, including lunch from a kibanda.
(6) The same employees, Kiplimo and Obed, used to work as shamba boys for Mr Mihir. Failure to do so will result in being sacked.
(7) No recommendation letter in case you resign.
(8) Working long hours from 8am to 8pm with no overtime.
Kindly pass this information to the Ministry of Labour and the people of Kwale County at large."
