Fresh concerns have emerged from Quickmart Supermarket's Kenyatta Avenue branch in Nakuru, where employees have accused a branch manager of creating what they describe as a hostile working environment that has allegedly pushed several workers to resign.
According to a whistleblower, staff morale at the branch has deteriorated as a result of alleged harassment, intimidation and humiliating treatment by the branch manager. Employees now want the company's senior management to investigate the concerns before more workers leave.
The complainant claims that employees have been resigning because they can no longer cope with the alleged treatment at the branch. According to the whistleblower, many workers feel they have nowhere to report their concerns and believe management has remained silent despite repeated complaints.
Workers argue that supermarket employees are the face of the business because they interact with customers throughout the day. They say a toxic working environment not only affects employee wellbeing but can also lower morale, reduce productivity, affect customer service and eventually hurt the company's reputation.
One incident highlighted by the complainant involves the branch manager allegedly sending a deputy manager home to change trousers because of what was said to be a slight colour variation caused by washing. The whistleblower says the incident embarrassed the employee and created unnecessary tension among staff, who felt the matter could have been handled more professionally.
The complainant further alleges that similar concerns have previously been raised at Quickmart's Machakos branch, where employees reportedly complained about unfair treatment. The whistleblower argues that if such concerns continue emerging across different branches, the company should examine whether leadership and management practices are contributing to staff dissatisfaction.
The allegations come at a time when employers across Kenya are under increasing pressure to provide workplaces that are free from harassment, intimidation and unfair labour practices. Labour experts have repeatedly noted that respectful supervision, fair disciplinary procedures and proper grievance handling are essential in retaining employees and maintaining healthy workplace relationships.
A comparable case recently emerged at Artcaffe Coffee and Bakery, where employees alleged that senior staff were harassing junior workers and that those who questioned management decisions faced transfers, demotions or dismissal. Workers claimed they feared reporting workplace concerns because they believed Human Resources would not handle their complaints impartially.
Similar complaints were also raised by employees at China Square, where workers alleged intimidation by supervisors, harsh working conditions and threats of disciplinary action whenever employees attempted to raise workplace concerns. Staff claimed they worked long hours under constant pressure while fearing victimisation if they spoke out.
Another comparable case involved employees at Tha Nickolee Hotel in Nanyuki, where former staff alleged a toxic working environment, intimidation and retaliation after raising workplace concerns. One former employee claimed he was unfairly dismissed and later faced criminal charges that were eventually dismissed by the court, raising broader questions about the treatment of workers who challenge management decisions.
The affected employees are now appealing to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Quickmart's senior management, and the company's Human Resources department to independently investigate the concerns raised, establish whether employees are working in a respectful environment and take appropriate action where necessary.
Below is the complaint received, edited only for grammar and clarity: ¶
"Hi Nyakundi, It is unfortunate to see Quickmart staff resigning because of what is alleged to be harassment and mistreatment by the manager, Ann, at the Kenyatta Avenue branch in Nakuru. What is even more concerning is the apparent silence from management despite these complaints. The working conditions for some staff are becoming embarrassing, and this can also affect staff morale, customer service and eventually sales. How can a manager mistreat staff who interact with customers every day, yet some of those staff members have relatives who shop at Quickmart? Would you be comfortable shopping at a branch where you know your relative is being mistreated? There are also concerns that similar issues were experienced at Machakos, where staff reportedly felt they were being treated unfairly. If these concerns are true, management should seriously consider whether bringing relatives or close associates into positions of authority can affect staff relations and create a perception of unfair treatment. Recently, the manager allegedly sent her deputy home to change trousers, even though washing clothes can sometimes cause slight changes in colour. Such incidents create unnecessary tension and humiliation among staff. It is shameful and concerning to see young employees feeling harassed or demoralised because of one individual. Many staff members are reportedly resigning, and if the situation continues without intervention, it could affect both employee retention and the company's reputation. I have always been a customer of Quickmart, but because of what I have heard about the situation at the Kenyatta Avenue branch, I personally feel uncomfortable shopping there. Please, management should investigate these concerns seriously and take appropriate action before the situation gets worse. Staff deserve a respectful, professional and safe working environment."