Fresh concerns have emerged from Good Neighbors Kenya, intensifying the already critical narrative surrounding the organization’s internal turmoil.
A new whistleblower message shared anonymously with this outlet, reveals persistent and alarming issues that threaten not only the welfare of employees but also the credibility of the humanitarian NGO’s operations in Kenya.
This follows a growing wave of complaints previously raised, shedding light on chronic mismanagement, delays in salary payments, unfair treatment of staff, and widespread dissatisfaction among employees.
Good Neighbors Kenya Staff Expose Pay Delays and Leadership Failures Impacting Operations
Staff members, who reached out to this publication out of fear of retaliation, have painted a picture of an organization grappling with leadership failures and internal divisions that compromise its ability to fulfill its mission of helping vulnerable communities.
In the latest correspondence, a concerned source has outlined troubling reports of mistreatment, compounded by alleged violations of Kenyan immigration laws by some foreign staff members.
This new message brings forward fresh grievances, with reports of ongoing harassment, neglect of employee well-being, and unaddressed cases of wrongful terminations.
According to the source, these new claims reveal an organization failing to maintain ethical standards.
“Hi Nyakundi. I hope this message reaches you with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.
I am writing out of deep concern for what’s currently unfolding at Good Neighbors Kenya. Although I am not an employee myself, several staff members have reached out to me privately, sharing their distress and frustration — and honestly, fear. They confided in me because they don’t feel safe speaking up within the organization. After hearing their stories, and seeing some of these issues confirmed publicly, I feel a responsibility to raise the alarm.
Staff are often left wondering when or if they’ll be paid. In one particularly disheartening case, the Administration Manager reportedly told them, “Write your resignations! We will not be paying soon.” This kind of remark not only lacks empathy but shows disregard for the very people keeping the organization running.
There are strong allegations that favoritism is shown to individuals from the same tribe as the Administration Manager, Kamba, while others are regularly sidelined, shouted at, or insulted. This has created a toxic and divisive work environment that is painful and demoralizing for many.
Kenyan staff are reportedly paid extremely low salaries, KES 20,000–25,000, often covering work-related travel expenses out of pocket with no guarantee of reimbursement. In contrast, Korean expatriates are said to receive high salaries and full benefits. Worse still, staff who raise concerns are often punished or pushed out through short-term contract changes or subtle pressure to resign.
Multiple employees describe Mr. Heo’s leadership style as disrespectful and authoritarian. Statements like, “Take me to any court, I have all the laws with me,” suggest a lack of accountability and a dangerous concentration of unchecked power.
It has been alleged that some Korean staff are working in Kenya without valid work permits. If this is accurate, it not only violates Kenyan law but also sets a harmful double standard within the organization.
The procurement system is reportedly controlled by one individual, the Managing Director, who delays decisions, negotiates aggressively, and has allegedly called local suppliers “thieves” and “untrustworthy.” This undermines Kenyan businesses and delays project implementation.
Employees say there is no safe, confidential way to report issues. Those who try are punished, marginalized, or have their contracts cut short. Fear and silence have become the workplace culture.
Given the seriousness of these concerns, I respectfully urge the following: launch an independent investigation into staff treatment, management practices, and compliance with Kenyan law at Good Neighbors Kenya. Audit the immigration status and work permits of all expatriate staff. Hold Country Director Mr. Namun Heo and any complicit managers accountable for abuse of power and mistreatment of staff. Review and reform the procurement process to ensure it is fair, transparent, and respectful to local suppliers. Set up safe, anonymous channels for whistleblowers to report concerns without fear of retaliation. Ensure prompt and consistent salary payments, fair treatment, and an inclusive work environment for all staff.
Good Neighbors Kenya is supposed to serve vulnerable communities, but how can it do so with integrity when its own staff are suffering in silence, mistreated, and working under fear?
I share this letter not out of anger, but from a place of concern for the staff, for the mission of the organization, and for the values we all hope it stands for. I trust you will take these concerns seriously and act swiftly to restore justice, accountability, and dignity within the organization.
A Concerned Citizen.”
This follows a series of earlier submissions that outlined similar issues, ranging from unfulfilled promises of benefits to persistent management inefficiencies that have only worsened existing problems.
Earlier reports revealed a workforce caught in a cycle of frustration and fear, struggling to carry out their responsibilities amidst leadership failures and a lack of necessary support.
As some employees pointed out, many long hours in the field helping vulnerable groups are undone by the inability to meet basic personal needs at the end of the day.
Staff members have raised particular alarm over the absence of capable management.
The Acting HR/Administration Officer, who was suddenly appointed to the role without the requisite qualifications or training, has failed to provide clear guidance, aggravating internal chaos and contributing to a growing sense of helplessness among employees.
In this environment, efforts to assist vulnerable communities have been weakened. Employees, distracted by financial insecurity and frustration with unprepared leadership, are finding it difficult to focus on delivering aid effectively.
With mounting concerns over delayed paychecks, inadequate compensation, and unaddressed operational inefficiencies, staff have expressed a need for urgent intervention from Good Neighbors’ global headquarters in South Korea.
Employees are hoping for external support to stabilize operations and address mismanagement, warning that without immediate action, the organization’s effectiveness and reputation could suffer irreparable harm.
