Leading seed production and distribution company, Simlaw Seeds, is currently facing growing unrest among its staff as reports emerge of perceived contractual abuses, low pay, and allegations of favoritism within its workforce.
Sources familiar with the company’s operations have revealed ongoing concerns over the treatment of workers, particularly contract and field staff, raising questions about management practices.
Employees are reporting that although the company typically awards contracts for periods of three months or longer, management attempts to terminate employment prematurely, sometimes after just two weeks of work, creating uncertainty for staff relying on the income.
Workers on daily rates have alleged that some employees, especially field staff, are being kept on minimal per diems with no stability, leaving them walking long distances for duties while receiving what insiders describe as “subsistence pay.”
Insiders further allege that managerial staff, including some engineers, are exhibiting tribal biases in task allocation and promotions, reportedly favouring colleagues from their own ethnic communities, which has created divisions among staff and lowered morale, according to multiple anonymous sources within the company.
The internal tensions are reportedly compounded by the human resources department, which, according to staff testimonies, prioritizes terminations over engagement with workers, prompting some employees to resign and seek opportunities elsewhere.
One insider described the environment as “highly exploitative,” noting that staff often feel forced to leave or endure unfavourable conditions rather than confront management.
Simlaw Seeds, a subsidiary of the Kenya Seed Company with over 50 years of experience in horticultural seed research and marketing, is widely recognised for supplying high-quality seeds of cabbages, onions, tomatoes, and beans suitable for diverse climatic zones across Kenya.
Headquartered at Simlaw House on Kijabe Street, Nairobi, Simlaw Seeds is now under intense observation from workers, local farmers, and industry observers.
Workers say they are prepared to escalate their response if unpaid wages and unfair task allocations are not addressed immediately, warning that prolonged inaction could trigger unrest across the company’s workforce and disrupt day-to-day operations.
Sources inside the company report that management is yet to present a clear plan or timeline for resolving these disputes, leaving staff uncertain about their roles and compensation as critical planting and distribution periods approach.
Below is what one insider, who requested anonymity, described regarding the day-to-day realities and long-running disputes at Simlaw Seeds, shedding light on the challenges faced by staff and the tensions simmering within the company.
“Hello Cyprian. Simlaw seed usually gives contracts of 3 months and above but they can’t just terminate anytime even after 2 weeks. Workers get 731 shillings a day, wadosi wanatembea wakikula tu per diem, na engineers ni tribalists especially engineer Sambuu. HR huko kazi ni kufuta watu. Niliacha kazi na nikaenda kwenye shughuli nyingine. Wakora sana!”
