Several young people engaged as brand ambassadors have accused Nairobi-based marketing and communications agency Daraja Plus Limited of failing to remit their wages long after the completion of an assignment tied to a major skincare brand.
The firm, which positions itself as a behaviour change agency specializing in experiential and digital campaigns, has been described by some of its former workers as exploitative, with allegations pointing to unpaid labour, inconsistent communication and a pattern of deflecting accountability when compensation queries arise.
Daraja Plus Ltd was established in 2015 and is known for its focus on campaigns designed to drive social impact, especially those targeting women and youth but insiders now argue that its practices reflect the opposite.
According to multiple sources, the agency led by CEO Amina Abubakar has built a reputation for failing to adhere to payment timelines, demanding unpaid work, and refusing to provide clear answers when employees inquire about delayed compensation.
Workers have also reported being labelled “rude” or “impatient” when they raised concerns.
The complaints highlight a disturbing pattern of systemic exploitation across multiple projects handled by Daraja Plus.
There are also claims of the agency reducing wages without justification and failing to meet contractual obligations. These actions paint a troubling picture of a company that uses the guise of social good to exploit its workers.
Below is a full narration from a brand ambassador who worked under the agency earlier this year, describing what they say is a recurring culture of manipulation and withheld earnings.
“Hi Nyakundi. Kindly keep me anonymous. I was employed by Daraja Agency as a brand ambassador. For the period leading up to the end of March 2025, I was actively engaged in a project promoting Nivea Lotions under their management. Since the conclusion of this project in March, the contracted brand ambassadors, including myself, have yet to receive our due compensation. The reasons provided for this delay have been inconsistent and appear to be deliberately misleading. Initially, we were instructed to return our uniforms before payment could be processed, which we promptly complied with. Subsequently, we were informed that the client had not yet cleared payments due to an alleged error on their part. This was followed by a further explanation last week stating that our payroll had not been submitted by the relevant account. This pattern of shifting justifications has created a climate of distrust and financial hardship for numerous individuals who diligently fulfilled their contractual obligations. The constant delay in receiving our earned wages has placed significant strain on our livelihoods, forcing us into a precarious financial situation. We are now compelled to seek funds for basic necessities, despite having worked diligently to earn them. Furthermore, my experience with Daraja Agency has revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitative labour practices. The agency targets young individuals, offering what can only be described as cheap labour. There are claims that employees are instructed to work additional days without pay, to meet targets without the knowledge or consent of the client. Moreover, attempts by employees to inquire about delayed payments have reportedly been met with unwarranted labels such as “rude” or “impatient.” It is important to note that the issue of delayed payments appears to be a systemic problem across various projects managed by Daraja Agency. There are allegations of consistent failure to adhere to contractual payment timelines and instances of payment reductions without proper justification. Such conduct is not only unprofessional but also fundamentally inhumane. I implore you to bring this matter to public attention to ensure that Daraja Agency is held accountable for their alleged unethical and exploitative practices. It is crucial that other individuals are made aware of these potential issues before engaging with this agency.”
