Workers at Powerstar Supermarket in Kitengela say they are subjected to long working hours, excessive duties, verbal abuse, and strict employment terms that leave them feeling intimidated and unprotected, as complaints about the retailer’s internal practices continue to surface.
The concerns were shared with Cyprian Is Nyakundi, who received the following message directly from employees describing their experience at the supermarket:
“Hello Cyprian. Kuna supermarket moja we need to talk about by the name Powerstar. Staff work from 7am to 11pm and are assigned excessive duties. Supervisors use abusive language to junior staff and managers also mistreat junior employees. When workers speak the truth or raise issues, senior staff become hostile and deliberately look for mistakes to punish them. Employees are not issued with copies of their employment contracts.”
According to several staff members, the daily work routine at the supermarket is physically and mentally draining. They say reporting time is early in the morning and closing time can stretch late into the night, leaving little time for rest or personal life. Employees add that the long hours are not occasional but form part of the normal work schedule, making it hard for workers to cope over time.
Beyond the long hours, workers claim they are frequently assigned tasks outside their job roles. A single employee may be expected to handle sales, stocking, cleaning, and other duties without clear boundaries.
Staff say this practice increases pressure and confusion, while management reportedly treats it as normal rather than exceptional. Those who question the workload are said to be labelled as troublesome.
Employees also describe an environment where verbal abuse is common. Junior staff allege that supervisors use harsh and insulting language, while managers are accused of mistreating workers openly.
According to the employees, this behaviour creates fear and discourages staff from raising genuine concerns about their welfare or work conditions.
Another major concern raised by workers is the handling of employment contracts. Staff members say they are made to sign employment agreements but are not given personal copies to keep. This, they argue, leaves them unable to fully understand the terms governing their employment or to challenge decisions made by management.
Workers say this practice weakens their position whenever disputes arise.
A review of the contract terms, as described by insiders, suggests the agreement gives wide powers to the employer. Employees say management can change duties, work schedules, and deployment without notice. Staff can also be sent to different branches or departments at short notice and required to take part in activities like stocktaking even when done outside normal working hours.
The agreement is also said to include strict disciplinary measures. Employees claim it allows salary deductions in certain situations, limits transfers unless a worker resigns, and subjects staff to routine searches and security checks. Workers say these measures create constant fear and uncertainty instead of clarity and fairness at the workplace.
Employees now want the Ministry of Labour and other relevant authorities to intervene. They are asking for a review of Powerstar Supermarket’s work conditions and employment practices to ensure they comply with Kenyan labour laws. Workers say they are not asking for special treatment, but for fair hours, clear contracts, respectful treatment, and a safe and dignified working environment.
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