Allegations of poor working conditions involving merchandisers attached to Coca-Cola operations through We Evolve Marketing Agency continue to grow, with workers claiming that instead of addressing their concerns, the agency has intensified disciplinary measures against employees who are suspected of speaking out.
The workers say the situation has become even more difficult despite earlier public complaints, leaving many of them fearful about their jobs and uncertain about their future.
According to several merchandisers, supervisors have allegedly been instructed to issue warning letters over minor mistakes that were previously overlooked.
They claim these warnings are no longer being used simply to enforce workplace discipline but have become a tool to intimidate staff and discourage anyone from raising concerns about their working conditions.
Some workers further allege that a number of employees believed to have shared information about the agency’s practices have since lost their jobs. Those who remain say they now work under constant pressure, fearing that even a small error could lead to disciplinary action or dismissal.
The merchandisers also claim that comments allegedly made by a senior official within the agency have further damaged staff morale. According to the workers, the official reportedly told employees that continued public exposure would not result in any meaningful changes.
The workers also allege that the official referenced changes in the company’s ownership structure to suggest that the current management arrangement would remain unchanged regardless of the complaints being raised.
Frustrated by what they describe as a lack of response, the merchandisers are now calling on Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and the wider Coca-Cola leadership to investigate the issues they say have persisted for years under outsourced employment.
The workers argue that while customers see attractive Coca-Cola displays in supermarkets, few understand the demanding work behind them.
They say they spend long hours arranging promotional displays, cleaning shelves, rotating stock, checking expiry dates, and ensuring products remain well presented.
One of the most serious claims raised by the workers concerns expired products. They allege that whenever expired Coca-Cola products are found on shelves under their responsibility, they are required to personally cover the cost through salary deductions.
The merchandisers say this happens despite earning about KSh24,000 per month, an amount they argue is already insufficient to support themselves and their families.
According to the workers, the combination of modest pay, financial penalties, workplace pressure, and fear of retaliation has created an environment where they feel overworked, undervalued, and ignored.
Many describe themselves as the unseen workforce responsible for maintaining the brand’s image in retail outlets across the country, yet they believe their contribution is neither recognised nor fairly rewarded.
The merchandisers are now demanding that Coca-Cola review its contractual relationship with We Evolve Marketing Agency. They argue that replacing the agency would be the first step toward addressing what they describe as long-standing concerns over salaries, working conditions, and employee treatment.
They are also calling for fair compensation and greater respect for workers, noting that many of them are the sole breadwinners in their households.
The allegations, including claims of intimidation, warning letters, dismissals, salary deductions, and remarks attributed to agency officials, remain allegations made by workers who requested anonymity, saying they fear victimisation.
We Evolve Marketing Agency, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, and The Coca-Cola Company have been invited to respond to the concerns raised by the merchandisers.
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