Employees at Quickmart’s Kenyatta Avenue branch in Nakuru are reportedly facing a difficult working environment, with allegations of harassment, intimidation and humiliation now raising serious questions about how staff are being treated behind the supermarket’s doors.
A whistleblower claims the situation has become so uncomfortable that some employees have resigned rather than continue working under what they describe as pressure from the branch manager, Ann.
The allegations paint a picture of workers who feel demoralised, frustrated and unsure about where to turn when they have complaints.What makes the claims more concerning is the alleged silence from senior management.
According to the complaint, employees have raised concerns but have not seen sufficient action to address them. If true, this could point to a deeper problem within the company’s grievance system, especially if workers believe reporting mistreatment will not lead to any meaningful response.
One incident highlighted in the complaint involves a deputy manager who was allegedly sent home by the branch manager to change trousers because of a slight colour variation.
The complainant claims the colour change was linked to washing and argues that the manner in which the issue was handled left the employee embarrassed in front of colleagues.
For employees, such incidents can have a bigger impact than the immediate confrontation.
When workers feel that they can be humiliated over issues that could have been handled privately and professionally, fear can quickly replace confidence in the workplace.
The whistleblower also raises concerns about alleged similar complaints from the Machakos branch, where employees reportedly felt they were being treated unfairly. These claims have not been independently verified, but they should not simply be brushed aside if there is evidence that workers have repeatedly raised similar concerns in different branches.
Quickmart is a major retailer whose employees interact with thousands of customers. The company’s public image depends not only on the products it sells but also on how it treats the people who keep its stores running.
A worker who feels intimidated or constantly under pressure may struggle to provide the level of customer service expected by the company. More importantly, employees should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and tolerating treatment they believe is disrespectful.
The allegations therefore demand a proper internal investigation. Quickmart management should hear directly from the affected employees, examine complaints made against the branch and allow the manager accused of misconduct to respond to the claims.If the allegations are found to be true, appropriate action should follow.
If they are found to be false, the company should make that clear as well.
What cannot help the situation is silence.
Employees deserve a workplace where discipline is fair, complaints are heard and managers understand that authority is not a licence to humiliate or intimidate those working under them.
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