Fresh claims of serious misconduct have emerged from Panda Mart, deepening the controversy surrounding the Chinese-owned retail chain that operates outlets across Nairobi, including at Garden City Mall and Galleria Mall on Lang’ata Road.
The new revelations paint a disturbing picture of a workplace riddled with systemic abuse, coercion, and disregard for employee wellbeing.
Earlier reports exposed widespread labour violations at Panda Mart, particularly at the Garden City outlet.
Workers recounted exploitative conditions enabled by Pearl Space Recruitment Agency, which supplies the majority of the supermarket’s staff.
Among the documented issues were disparities in pay between directly hired and agency workers, lack of formal contracts, unlawful dismissals, and timed bathroom breaks.
Pregnant staff reported harassment and pressure to take early maternity leave, while others were subjected to arbitrary demotions and pay cuts with no documentation or recourse.
Employees also highlighted how they were forced to purchase their own uniforms and endure strict bans on speaking or phone usage during shifts.
Despite the public spotlight these reports attracted, it now appears the situation is deteriorating rather than improving.
New information from insiders at the Galleria Mall branch points to escalating abuse, with claims that employees are being coerced into attending late-night parties organized by senior staff.
These gatherings, reportedly held under the pretense of team-building or social functions, are not optional as attendance is allegedly enforced, regardless of an employee’s personal or marital situation.
Disturbingly, employees say they are only released the following day after completing a full shift, without any clear explanation for the prolonged detainment beyond working hours.
These forced after-hours events have reportedly caused friction in the personal lives of staff, particularly among those with families.
Behind these gatherings, workers suspect more sinister motives, with allegations have surfaced that sexual favours are being solicited from employees under veiled threats to their job security.
Staff now say that refusal to comply with these demands could jeopardize their continued employment, especially given the precarious nature of the one-month contracts most are bound by.
This culture of fear and silence, combined with previously reported injustices such as below-minimum wages, lack of payslips, and unequal treatment, suggests a broader pattern of systemic exploitation that cuts across Panda Mart’s locations.
The situation has reportedly led some workers to seek relief through substance use, pointing to a workplace environment that is not only unethical but potentially harmful to both physical and mental health.
As pressure builds, questions are mounting about the role and responsibility of both Panda Mart’s senior management and the recruitment agency facilitating these labour practices.
There is also increasing public demand for relevant labour and enforcement bodies to investigate and intervene before more harm is done.
Below is what one concerned employee had to share regarding the troubling developments.
“Hi Cyprian, I hope you have been well. There was a day you had written about Panda Mart at Galleria Mall, Langata Road. Now there are some new developments — the employees are being forced to attend late-night parties by their seniors regardless of the marital status of a person. Worse off, they are released the following day evening after work without any good explanation on why they are being forced to stay late after work for personal reasons. This is breaking up marriages because they are being asked for sexual favours to secure their jobs. For more information, you can find out from the employees. You can time them during the lunch break as some of them go to the garages opposite South Langata Road to buy marijuana.”
