Retail workers are among the most overworked and least celebrated employees in Kenya's economy. Every day, they spend long hours serving customers, restocking shelves, handling cash, managing inventory, and ensuring businesses remain operational. Yet behind the bright aisles and busy checkout counters, many workers often complain of exhausting schedules, low wages, and working conditions that leave them physically and mentally drained.

Labour laws exist to protect employees from excessive working hours, unfair treatment, and exploitative workplace practices. Workers are entitled to reasonable working hours, rest days, and compensation that reflects the work they perform. When employees begin alleging that they are consistently working beyond normal limits without corresponding benefits, questions naturally arise about whether labour standards are being observed.

The situation becomes even more concerning when workers feel that management is more focused on control and intimidation than employee welfare. A workplace where employees constantly feel discouraged, unheard, or undervalued can quickly become a source of frustration and resentment, particularly when economic conditions make it difficult for workers to simply walk away and find alternative employment.

Hello Nyakundi,

Kindly hide my identity.

I work at Mathais Supermarket, and I would like to raise concerns regarding the treatment of employees and the working conditions many of us endure on a daily basis.

One of the biggest issues is the number of hours we are expected to work.

There are days when I find myself working for almost 17 hours, yet the pay I receive does not reflect the amount of time and effort I put into the job.

Many employees feel exhausted and overworked, but because jobs are difficult to find, most people simply keep quiet and continue working.

Another issue is the handling of off days and shifts.

There are occasions when off days are cancelled or schedules are changed without proper explanation, forcing employees to work longer than expected while disrupting their personal lives and family commitments.

What makes matters worse is the management culture.

Instead of motivating workers, many of the managers spend their time discouraging employees through constant criticism and repetitive lectures.

Almost every day, workers are subjected to long speeches after work, often covering the same issues repeatedly.

As a result, employees end up leaving work much later than they should and arrive home exhausted late at night.

By the time I get home, I barely have enough time to rest before preparing for the next shift.

The wages are another source of frustration.

Many of us, especially casual workers, feel that the payments are not equivalent to the workload and responsibilities we carry.

Despite the long hours, the physical demands, and the sacrifices employees make, compensation remains extremely low.

The feeling among many workers is that management expects maximum output while giving very little consideration to employee welfare.

I am not writing this because I want to attack the company.

I am writing because I believe workers deserve fair treatment, reasonable working hours, proper rest, and respect in the workplace.

I hope the management of Mathais Supermarket and the relevant labour authorities can look into these concerns and engage employees on ways of improving working conditions.

No worker should have to sacrifice their health, personal life, and dignity simply to earn a living.