Apollo Tours is facing serious accusations of mistreating its drivers, according to an investigative statement by Nyakundi Report, which says the company recruits drivers without contracts, offer letters, or clear terms of employment and requires them to start work immediately.
The statement further alleges that drivers who ask for proper documentation or clarity on their jobs are harassed by the human resource department and risk losing their employment, even as the company continues to serve high-profile corporate clients.
Drivers say the recruitment process at Apollo Tours is informal and rushed. Many report that after a short interview, they are told to report to work the same day or the next day without signing any paperwork. There is no written agreement explaining salary, working hours, leave, or job security.
This situation leaves drivers exposed, as they have no proof of employment and no clear understanding of their rights or responsibilities.
Several drivers claim that requesting an offer letter or contract is seen as disobedience. They describe an environment where management discourages questions and expects blind compliance.
According to accounts from current and former drivers, the human resource department allegedly intimidates those who seek clarity, sometimes warning them that they can easily be replaced. Some drivers say colleagues who insisted on written contracts were dismissed without notice or explanation.
The lack of formal employment terms affects drivers financially and emotionally. Without contracts, pay arrangements are unclear. Drivers say salaries are sometimes delayed, and deductions are not explained.
There is also no certainty about overtime pay, even though drivers often work long hours to meet tight schedules for corporate clients. Rest days and leave are rarely discussed, despite the demanding nature of the job.Drivers also raise concerns about safety and welfare.
They say there is no clear insurance cover or assurance of compensation in case of accidents. Some claim they are not registered for statutory benefits such as social security, leaving them vulnerable in case of injury, illness, or job loss.
This creates constant anxiety, especially given the risks involved in daily driving.
Apollo Tours is known for serving well-known companies such as Huawei, Safaricom, Kenya Airways, Agatha, and BAT.
To these clients, the company presents itself as professional and reliable. However, drivers say this image does not reflect their reality. They argue that the company focuses more on maintaining a polished image for clients than on protecting the workers who deliver the service.
Drivers believe the use of casual and undocumented employment is a deliberate move to cut costs and avoid legal obligations. By not issuing contracts, the company is accused of denying drivers their rights to fair wages, job security, and proper working conditions.
This practice also makes it difficult for drivers to seek legal help or report unfair treatment.
Labour experts note that Kenyan law requires employers to provide written terms of employment and protects workers from unfair dismissal. Firing workers for demanding their rights is illegal. Despite this, drivers say they feel powerless, as there is no union representation and no clear channel to raise complaints without fear of retaliation.
The experiences shared by Apollo Tours drivers point to a wider problem of worker exploitation in Kenya. Many companies rely on casual labour while ignoring labour laws. Drivers say they are simply asking for basic fairness, written contracts, and respect.
Until these concerns are addressed, they warn that drivers will continue to suffer in silence while the company benefits from major corporate business.
Add Comment