The hospitality industry is one of the sectors that relies heavily on long working hours, late-night shifts, and weekend operations. While restaurants, lounges, and entertainment establishments often focus on customer experience and revenue generation, employee welfare remains equally important. Staff members are the backbone of these businesses, and their safety should never be treated as an afterthought.

Across Nairobi, workers in the hospitality sector routinely leave work in the early hours of the morning when public transport is limited and security risks are significantly higher. Many employers have recognized these dangers and put in place measures such as staff transport, transport allowances, security escorts, or policies designed to protect workers who leave work late at night. Where such protections are lacking, employees can be exposed to serious risks while simply trying to get home.

Concerns become even more serious when workers allege that they are subjected to unsafe working conditions, excessive overtime, lack of employment contracts, and fear of retaliation whenever they raise legitimate concerns. Such allegations point to a workplace culture where business interests may be taking precedence over employee welfare and basic labour rights.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

Some weeks ago, you highlighted concerns about The Village Rooftop in Kilimani, and many people shared negative experiences in the comment section. While we understand that the restaurant is still relatively new and may be facing operational challenges, we feel that employees should also be considered, especially when it comes to our safety and welfare.

I am writing because the situation has become increasingly worrying.

Recently, one of our female colleagues was allegedly attacked by thugs while heading home from work at around 1:30 a.m. This was not the first incident involving her. According to what we know, it was the second time she had been attacked while returning home after a late shift.

During the latest attack, she reportedly sustained injuries to her head and ribs after being assaulted by the attackers. Fortunately, we understand she is recovering, although she has not yet returned to work.

What pains many of us is the feeling that no one within management appears concerned about what happened to her.

Instead of discussing employee safety and measures to protect staff working late into the night, there is a growing fear among workers that she could even face termination when she eventually returns to work. Many employees say this is the kind of response they have come to expect from the Human Resources department whenever staff members face personal challenges or raise concerns.

The issue of safety is only one part of a much bigger problem.

Many employees are working without signed employment contracts, a situation that has left workers feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their rights. Without formal contracts, staff members often do not know where they stand regarding working hours, overtime, leave, disciplinary procedures, and job security.

There are also concerns regarding overtime work.

Employees claim they regularly work beyond normal hours without compensation, yet feel unable to challenge the practice because of the current job market and fear of losing employment.

Many workers say they continue enduring difficult conditions because opportunities are scarce and they cannot afford to be unemployed.

According to staff members, management appears primarily focused on sales and revenue targets.

Some employees recall meetings where they felt it was made clear that financial performance was the main priority, while concerns about employee welfare received little attention.

Workers also feel let down by the Human Resources department, which they believe should be advocating for staff welfare and ensuring compliance with labour standards.

Instead, many employees claim that their concerns are rarely addressed and that HR appears more focused on protecting management than supporting workers.

As employees, we are not asking for special treatment.

We are asking for basic protections.

We are asking for safe working conditions.

We are asking for employment contracts.

We are asking for fair treatment when staff members experience hardship or injury.

And we are asking management to recognize that the people helping build the business deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

We hope the directors of The Village Rooftop, labour authorities, and relevant regulators will take these concerns seriously and investigate the issues being raised.

No employee should have to choose between earning a living and risking their safety while travelling home after work.

Concerned Village Rooftop Employee.