Workers at Cyka Fresh Limited say they are enduring harsh working conditions marked by long hours, low pay, and fear of punishment, and they are now asking authorities to step in before the situation worsens.
Employees describe a workplace where labour laws are ignored and basic rights are treated as optional, leaving many exhausted, stressed, and unsure about their future.
According to several workers, daily schedules at the agricultural company stretch far beyond what is legally allowed.
Day shift employees report starting work as early as 7:00 a.m. and remaining on duty until 8:00 or even 9:00 p.m., while night shift workers say they sometimes report at 9:00 p.m. only to be released late the following morning.
Despite these long and draining hours, employees say overtime is not paid. Instead, workers receive only a basic salary, which they describe as too low to meet the cost of living, especially for those supporting families.
Employees further claim that salaries have not increased even as the company’s operations have grown. They say staff welfare is largely ignored, with little concern shown for fatigue, mental strain, or work-life balance.
Many workers describe the environment as financially and emotionally exhausting, saying the pressure has reduced morale and productivity across departments.
Beyond working hours and pay, staff members report being burdened with duties that fall outside their job descriptions.
Drivers, for example, say they are often required to load and offload goods in addition to driving, without any extra compensation. Office staff also claim that their roles have gradually expanded, with new tasks added informally and without adjustments to pay or contracts.
This has created confusion and anxiety, as employees are often unsure where their responsibilities begin and end.
Delayed salary payments are another major concern. Several workers say wages are sometimes paid as late as the tenth day of the month, making it difficult to plan expenses such as rent, school fees, and food.
For families living month to month, these delays cause serious hardship.Workers also describe what they see as unfair and inconsistent discipline.
They allege that some employees are dismissed without clear reasons or written explanations, while others appear protected due to favouritism.
Those who raise concerns or question management decisions reportedly face intimidation, threats, or termination.
This, employees say, has created a culture of fear where speaking up can cost someone their job.
Leave entitlements and public holiday compensation are also said to be routinely ignored. Employees claim they are expected to work through public holidays without extra pay and that approved leave is often denied or postponed without explanation.
Some workers say even discussing these issues or attempting to document them online has led to disciplinary action.One employee shared their experience in a message calling for public attention and urgent action. The worker wrote:
“Hello Nyakundi. Please hide my ID. I am writing to bring to your attention serious labour law violations taking place at a certain company in the industrial area known as Cyka Fresh Limited, which I believe deserve public exposure and urgent intervention. Employees are subjected to excessively long working hours, with day shifts running from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 or even 9:00 p.m. Night shift workers report as late as 9:00 p.m. but are forced to work until 11:00 a.m. or more the following day. Despite these extreme hours, no overtime is paid. Only a basic salary that workers consistently complain is too low. There have been no salary increments and employee welfare is largely ignored. Additionally, workers are frequently terminated without any proven reason or documented mistake. There is no compensation for work done on public holidays. Drivers are also required to work as loaders and offloaders, far beyond their job descriptions, without extra pay. Salary payments are often delayed, sometimes up to the 10th of the month. Disturbingly, one employee was dismissed after attempting to expose these issues on social media.
An impromptu labour audit is urgently needed as many workers are suffering in silence. Thank you for your time and for standing up for the rights of vulnerable workers.”
Workers are now appealing to the Ministry of Labour, regulators, and legal aid groups to intervene. They are calling for enforcement of labour laws, payment of all owed wages and benefits, protection for whistleblowers, and a full review of company practices. Many say they have remained silent out of fear for too long and hope that outside intervention will finally bring fairness and dignity to their workplace.
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