Fresh concerns have emerged from Kenya Shipyards Limited in Kisumu after civilian employees accused the State corporation of allegedly forcing workers to perform overtime without compensation while threatening those who question the practice.
According to a whistleblower, civilian staff working at the shipyard have allegedly been required to remain at work beyond official hours every weekday and on weekends for several months without receiving overtime pay.
The complainant claims the situation has persisted since March 2026, when work intensified on the construction of a ferry at the Kisumu shipyard.
According to the employee, civilian workers are reportedly expected to continue working from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. after completing their normal working hours. The complainant says employees have also been required to report on weekends to continue work on the project, yet no overtime compensation has allegedly been provided.
The whistleblower further alleges that employees who question the lack of overtime pay are threatened with punishment, victimisation or even termination of employment.
According to the complaint, some supervisors allegedly tell civilian workers that because the institution operates under military leadership, employees have little chance of challenging management decisions.
The complainant says many workers have remained silent because they fear losing their jobs if they continue demanding payment for the additional hours they have worked.
Employees argue that they are proud to contribute to a strategic national project, but believe they should be fairly compensated for every hour worked, especially where overtime has become routine rather than exceptional.
The allegations raise questions about compliance with Kenya's labour laws, which regulate working hours and provide for overtime compensation in circumstances where employees work beyond their agreed schedules, unless different lawful arrangements apply under the terms of employment.
A comparable dispute recently emerged at Kitui Flour Mills (Dola Group), where employees in the loading and production sections alleged they worked exhausting shifts under difficult conditions without adequate breaks, drinking water or personal protective equipment. Workers claimed the working environment failed to meet acceptable occupational safety standards and appealed for intervention by labour authorities.
Another similar complaint was raised by employees at CRBC (China Road and Bridge Corporation), where drivers alleged their salaries were abruptly reduced by approximately KSh 21,000 without prior notice or consultation. Workers further claimed they were threatened after questioning the salary changes, prompting calls for the Ministry of Labour to investigate whether their contractual rights had been violated.
Comparable concerns have also been raised by employees at Platinum Outsourcing and Logistics working at PZ Cussons, where workers alleged intimidation, discrimination and fear of victimisation after raising workplace concerns. Employees claimed management decisions had created an atmosphere where workers were reluctant to speak openly for fear of disciplinary action or losing their jobs.
Kenyan courts have consistently affirmed that employees are entitled to fair labour practices under Article 41 of the Constitution, while the Employment Act provides safeguards relating to working hours, wages and protection from unfair labour practices. Where employees are required to work beyond their agreed hours, employers are generally expected to comply with applicable labour laws and contractual obligations regarding overtime compensation.
The affected employees are now appealing to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, and the board of Kenya Shipyards Limited to investigate the allegations and establish whether civilian employees are receiving the protections and compensation provided under Kenyan labour laws.
Below is the complaint received, edited only for grammar and clarity: ¶
"I'm writing this to you with a heavy heart. I am an employee of Kenya Shipyards Limited in Kisumu. Sir, whatever we are going through as civilian staff is quite worrying. We are forced to work overtime from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. without any pay. If you dare ask for overtime pay, you are victimised through punishment or even termination. They tell us they are military and that we cannot do anything. We are currently building a ferry, and since March 2026 we have been working overtime and on weekends without any pay. Please help us address this issue publicly because we are weak, sir. Thank you. Please also reach out to our Yard OC, Major Mraja."