Employers in Kenya are legally required to remit various statutory deductions on behalf of their employees, including contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), and the Affordable Housing Levy. These deductions are designed to provide workers with healthcare coverage, social security benefits, and support for national housing programmes.

Failure to remit statutory deductions not only exposes employers to legal and financial penalties but can also have serious consequences for employees. Workers may discover they lack health coverage when they need medical treatment, miss out on retirement benefits, or face difficulties accessing services tied to their employment records. For many employees, these deductions represent an important safety net that protects them and their families.

It is for this reason that allegations of non-compliance by employers often generate concern among workers and labour rights advocates. When an organization with hundreds of employees is accused of bypassing statutory obligations, questions naturally arise about accountability, employee welfare, and whether the relevant authorities are aware of the situation.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

I would like to raise concerns regarding Dura Poa and what appears to be a longstanding practice involving employee payments and statutory deductions.

From what many of us have observed, Dura Poa pays employees across its stores nationwide directly in cash rather than through formal payroll systems. The company reportedly employs more than 400 workers spread across various branches.

What is concerning is that despite having such a large workforce, employees allegedly do not have remittances made on their behalf to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), or the Affordable Housing Levy.

Many employees are therefore left wondering whether this is an oversight, negligence, or a deliberate attempt to avoid statutory obligations.

If these allegations are true, it means hundreds of workers may be missing out on healthcare benefits, retirement savings, and other protections that Kenyan law seeks to guarantee for employees.

The situation also raises questions about compliance with labour laws and whether the relevant regulatory authorities have examined the company's employment practices.

How can a company with hundreds of employees allegedly continue operating without remitting mandatory deductions?

Are employee records being properly maintained?

Are workers aware of their rights regarding statutory contributions?

And if deductions are not being made, who is protecting the interests of the employees who rely on these benefits?

Many workers fear speaking publicly about the issue because of the risk of victimization or losing their jobs.

We therefore urge the Ministry of Labour, SHA, NSSF, the Kenya Revenue Authority, and other relevant authorities to investigate these allegations and establish whether statutory obligations are being met.

Employees deserve transparency regarding their employment status, deductions, and benefits.

If the company is fully compliant, a clear explanation would help address growing concerns among workers. If not, corrective action should be taken to ensure employees receive the protections and benefits they are entitled to under the law.

Concerned Employee.