Distressed workers at Nairobi-based motorcycle financing company Zaribee Kenya have come forward with troubling allegations, painting a picture of a deeply toxic workplace culture marked by discrimination, intimidation, and a startling absence of professional safeguards.
The firm, a relatively prominent player in the local two-wheeler financing space, is reportedly foreign-owned and managed, with all senior leadership positions held by Asian expatriate staff.
Multiple sources from within the organization describe an environment where local Kenyan employees face persistent marginalization, arbitrary disciplinary actions, and racially insensitive treatment from top management.
Daily operations, according to those familiar with the firm’s internal structure, are dictated through informal power hierarchies that blur the lines between managerial authority and personal bias.
Staff performance is allegedly evaluated through subjective, non-standardized criteria, with consequences ranging from denied compensation to public humiliation over internal assessments that have little bearing on actual job responsibilities.
The absence of a dedicated human resources department has left employees without a formal channel to voice grievances or appeal decisions.
Instead, sensitive employment matters, including dismissals, salary disputes, and disciplinary measures, are handled directly by executive leadership, further entrenching power imbalances and limiting accountability.
Several employees report facing verbal abuse, arbitrary task assignments that veer into punitive territory, and a culture of fear that discourages dissent or even basic feedback.
Speaking out is perceived to carry the risk of retaliation or sudden termination, creating a pervasive sense of helplessness among staff.
Despite the company’s outward image of modernity and growth, internally, its practices appear to run counter to the principles of workplace fairness, dignity, and lawful conduct.
Below is a first-hand account from one of the affected employees, who chose to speak out in hopes that exposing these issues will lead to broader scrutiny and change.
“Hi Cyprian. I would like to raise serious concerns about a company called Zaribee Kenya, which sells motorcycles on loan. I currently work for this company, and the work environment has become extremely toxic and abusive, especially towards local Kenyan staff.
Zaribee Kenya is fully owned and managed by Japanese nationals. All senior managerial roles are held by Japanese staff, including:
Renji Morita – Company Director and de facto HR, Finance, and Operations lead
Mayu – Operations Manager
Kaz – Manager
Unfortunately, the management often treats Kenyan staff unfairly and in a degrading manner. There have been several instances of racial discrimination and emotional abuse. For example:
A staff member was once punished by being forced to clean walls and toilets simply because he was labeled a “non-performer.”
Renji Morita has been known to speak to employees in a demeaning way, using racially charged and disrespectful language.
There is no formal HR department – all HR matters are handled solely by Renji, creating a conflict of interest and a lack of accountability.
Employee performance is judged through arbitrary methods like math tests and checklists rather than proper KPIs or job targets. Failing a math test can lead to denial of salary increments.
Currently, the company has about 60 employees, yet it operates without basic professional structures such as HR, grievance procedures, or fair evaluation methods. Staff who voice concerns risk being dismissed without due process.
Many employees, including myself, are demoralized by the environment but fear retaliation if we speak out individually.
If you’re looking to help or can guide us on how to report this formally, we would truly appreciate it. No one should be treated this way — especially in our own country.
Thank you for your attention.”
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