Fresh concerns have emerged from inside China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) after drivers accused the company of making substantial salary reductions without prior notice, consultation or explanation.
According to a whistleblower, several drivers recently received payslips showing their salaries had been reduced by approximately KSh 21,000, despite having signed contracts reflecting a different amount. The workers claim they were never informed that their pay would change and only discovered the reductions after receiving their payslips.
The complainant says the deductions have left many employees shocked and financially distressed, with some now struggling to meet rent, school fees and other household obligations because they had budgeted based on their previous salaries.
According to the workers, no meetings were held, no written notices were issued and no reasons were provided before the changes allegedly took effect. Employees argue that such a significant reduction should have been communicated formally and agreed upon rather than being introduced without warning.
The situation allegedly became worse when some of the affected drivers sought clarification from management.
Instead of receiving explanations, the complainant claims several employees were threatened for questioning the salary reductions. The alleged intimidation has created fear among workers, with many now reluctant to raise legitimate workplace concerns for fear of disciplinary action or losing their jobs.
The workers believe the reported salary reductions amount to a unilateral alteration of their employment contracts. They are now asking whether the changes comply with Kenya's Employment Act, which generally requires employers to communicate and justify material changes to employees' terms and conditions of service.
The allegations have also renewed concerns about the treatment of employees working on large infrastructure projects, where many workers say they fear victimisation whenever they question management decisions.
The complaints echo similar concerns recently raised by employees at Casa Marketing Solutions, where workers accused the company of repeatedly delaying salaries, leaving many unable to pay rent or provide for their families. Employees further alleged that the financial strain had affected morale and, according to some workers, even contributed to cases of workplace misconduct driven by desperation. Those complaints prompted calls for intervention by the Ministry of Labour.
Similar concerns have also been raised by workers at Kevian Kenya Limited, who complained of excessive overtime, poor remuneration and failure to improve salaries despite employees raising the issues with management. Workers alleged that although some concerns were addressed after public attention, lower paid employees continued to struggle without meaningful salary reviews, leading to renewed calls for labour inspectors to investigate employment practices at the company.
Another comparable case emerged at Orbit Products Africa, where employees claimed they had gone for months without receiving salaries. According to workers, those who attempted to demand payment were allegedly issued with warning letters or told to seek legal action if they wanted their wages. The complaints highlighted growing concern over employers who allegedly use fear and intimidation to discourage employees from demanding their lawful earnings.
The issue of unilateral salary changes has also been the subject of decisions by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which has repeatedly held that employers cannot arbitrarily alter fundamental terms of employment without following due process. Courts have consistently emphasised that significant changes to remuneration should be properly communicated, justified and implemented in accordance with both employment contracts and labour laws.
The affected CRBC workers are now appealing to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS) and other relevant labour authorities to investigate the reported salary reductions and establish whether employees' contractual and statutory rights have been violated.
They are also calling on CRBC management to explain why salaries were allegedly reduced, provide the legal basis for the reported changes and address claims that workers who sought clarification were threatened instead of receiving answers.
Below is part of the complaint received.
"Drivers were expecting their normal salaries, but we received payslips showing about KSh 21,000 had been removed. We were never notified or given any reason. When we asked questions, we were threatened instead of being given answers. Please help investigate what is happening."