A merchandiser working for Kenblest 210 has raised serious allegations of sexual harassment against a male sales representative identified as Mr Big, accusing him of sending sexually inappropriate requests and allegedly attempting to assault female workers while on duty.
The employee, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, claims the sales representative has repeatedly asked female workers to send him nude photographs.
The complainant says the situation becomes particularly disturbing when the sales representative visits work routes accompanied by his driver.
According to the worker, the driver sometimes leaves the vehicle, after which the sales representative allegedly behaves inappropriately toward female employees who enter the vehicle. The complainant alleges that on one occasion the man attempted to sexually assault her by touching her intimate parts without consent.
The employee says the alleged conduct is especially difficult to report because some workers believe the sales representative has protection from senior management.
The complainant claims that the sales representative is allegedly protected by one of the company's directors, making workers afraid that reporting him internally could result in retaliation rather than action against the alleged perpetrator.
The worker says merchandisers already face pressure from customers and shop owners while working in the field, and the alleged behaviour has added another layer of fear to their daily work.
The complainant says female workers should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and protecting themselves from sexual harassment.
The allegations raise serious questions about workplace safety and the responsibility of employers to protect employees from sexual harassment. Kenya's Employment Act prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace and requires employers to take steps to prevent and address such conduct.
A similar concern was raised by employees at Artcaffe Coffee and Bakery, where junior workers alleged that senior staff were harassing employees and that those who spoke up risked transfers, demotions or dismissal. Workers said they were afraid to report complaints through internal channels because they did not trust the process.
Another comparable case involved workers at China Square, where employees alleged intimidation by managers and supervisors whenever they attempted to raise workplace complaints. Workers claimed they were threatened with disciplinary action for speaking about conditions at work, creating an environment where employees were afraid to challenge management.
Sexual harassment allegations have also surfaced in other workplaces where junior employees depend on senior staff for assignments, routes and continued employment. Such power imbalances can make victims reluctant to report misconduct, particularly where they believe the person accused has influence over management.
Labour authorities have repeatedly stressed that employees should be able to report harassment without fear of retaliation. Employers are expected to have clear procedures for receiving complaints and taking appropriate action where allegations are made.
The affected workers are now calling on Kenblest management, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and establish whether employees have been subjected to sexual harassment or intimidation.
The complainant says the issue should not be ignored until another worker suffers serious psychological harm.
Below is the complaint received, edited only for grammar and clarity: ¶
"Hi Nyakundi, kindly hide my ID. I am a merchandiser at Kenblest 210. Our sales representative, a male named Simon, also known as Mr Big, has been sexually harassing us. He tells me to send him my nude photos. He may seem like an innocent and good guy, but what this guy does is purely evil. When he comes to the route with his driver, the driver goes out, and when you enter the car, he wants to put his finger inside your private parts. Imagine a sales representative doing that because he knows the Indian bosses may not believe us. He has power, but this is something our directors need to know, even though he is protected by one of the directors. If someone does not speak up, they can end up suffering depression. You are already being harassed by people at the shops, and you think you have a right to report it to your boss, only to realise that he is also a predator. Who are we workers supposed to go to? It is shameful to write this, but we need to be in a safe working place. Merchandisers go through a lot."