Fresh concerns have emerged over the working conditions at Sanjiu Group of Companies, with a whistleblower alleging that employees are working under difficult conditions marked by delayed salaries, low pay, long working hours and what the complainant describes as a culture of intimidation.
The allegations come months after the company's Director, Du Ying, attracted national attention following media coverage highlighting her role in building one of Kenya's largest construction and engineering businesses. According to the whistleblower, employees feel the company's public success has not translated into better treatment for the people working behind the scenes.
The claims, which have not been independently verified, paint a picture of a workplace where staff say they feel undervalued and fearful of speaking out.
According to the complainant, salary delays have become a recurring problem, leaving many workers struggling to meet rent, school fees and other household expenses. The source also claims some employees are paid below what they believe should apply under Kenya's labour laws and recent government wage adjustments.
The whistleblower further alleges that employees routinely work extended hours without fair compensation and that deductions are sometimes made from salaries without adequate explanation. The complainant says many workers do not have medical cover despite the nature of their work and are left exposed if they fall sick or suffer injuries while on duty.
One of the most serious claims relates to the treatment of an employee who was allegedly involved in a serious road accident while carrying out official duties. According to the whistleblower, instead of receiving support and protection from the employer, the driver was dismissed. This allegation has not been independently verified and the company should be given an opportunity to respond.
The whistleblower also claims the company has increasingly appointed Chinese nationals to senior positions that could otherwise be filled by qualified Kenyan employees. According to the source, some expatriate staff allegedly mistreat junior Kenyan workers. The complainant further alleges that some foreign employees may not possess valid work permits. These claims have not been verified.
Under Kenyan law, foreign nationals employed in Kenya are generally required to hold valid immigration status and appropriate work permits issued by the Directorate of Immigration Services. Compliance with labour standards is enforced by the State Department for Labour and Skills Development through labour officers, while tax compliance falls under the Kenya Revenue Authority. Questions relating to occupational safety and employee welfare may also fall under the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS).
The complaint raises broader questions about the treatment of Kenyan workers in companies benefiting from large public and private sector contracts. Employees say they are not asking for special treatment. They say they want the company to comply with Kenyan labour laws, pay salaries on time and provide a safe and respectful working environment.
The whistleblower believes the allegations warrant inspection by the relevant government agencies, including labour officers, the Kenya Revenue Authority, immigration authorities and occupational safety inspectors, to establish whether the company is complying with Kenyan law.
Below is the complaint received.
Hello Nyakundi. Kindly hide my identity.
A few months ago you highlighted a story about Du Ying, Director of Sanjiu Group of Companies. I would like to raise concerns about the working conditions in her firm. Things have gone from bad to worse.
She treats employees with contempt and disrespect. Staff continue complaining about delayed salaries, underpayment, failure to implement government wage increments, long working hours, unfair deductions and lack of medical cover.
A few months ago one of the company's drivers was involved in a serious road accident while on duty. Instead of being supported, the employee was dismissed.
We are also concerned that some expatriate staff are working without proper documentation and that Kenyan employees are being overlooked for senior positions.
The current working conditions have become unbearable. Many employees keep resigning because they feel they have no future in the company. We ask the relevant government offices to investigate these concerns.