Workers at Rusinga Island Lodge in Homa Bay County have raised concerns over delayed salaries, alleged sexual exploitation during recruitment and questions surrounding statutory deductions in a complaint addressed to Cyprian Nyakundi.
In their message to Nyakundi, the employees claimed they were struggling to meet their financial obligations because their salaries were not being paid on time despite continuing to work and serve guests at the lodge.
They said the delays had affected their ability to pay rent, meet school fees and provide for their familie
The workers identified the lodge as an establishment owned by businessman Sammy Wakiaga and associated with Cronicle Group International Limited.
They are now calling on the relevant government agencies to examine the concerns they have raised and establish whether their employment rights are being respected.
One of their main concerns involves deductions made from their salaries for the Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to the employees, the contributions appear on their payslips, but some workers reportedly discover that their medical cover cannot settle their hospital bills when they seek treatment.
They claimed that this has forced them to pay for medical services from their own pockets despite having money deducted from their earnings for health insurance.
The workers want SHA to verify whether the contributions are being remitted as required and establish why they have experienced difficulties accessing medical cover.
The employees have also called for an examination of deductions made for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and other statutory obligations.
They want the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and other relevant agencies to establish whether the deductions are being handled and remitted in accordance with the law.
Beyond the salary and statutory deduction concerns, the workers made serious allegations about the treatment of young employees during recruitment.
In their complaint to Nyakundi, they claimed that some job seekers were subjected to sexual demands when seeking employment at the lodge.
The employees alleged that young people desperate for jobs had been exploited, with some reportedly being used without securing employment.
They described the situation as troubling and called for the allegations to be examined by the relevant authorities.
The complaint did not identify the individuals allegedly involved or provide specific dates when the reported incidents took place.
The claims have not been independently verified.
The workers also expressed fear of speaking openly about their experiences, claiming that employees who raise concerns are threatened with being traced by the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
They said the threats had made it difficult for them to report their grievances without worrying about possible consequences at work.
They have asked for their identities to be protected during any follow-up, citing fears of losing their jobs if their involvement in the complaint becomes known.
The employees are appealing to the Ministry of Labour, SHA and KRA to examine the issues raised, including salary payment records, statutory deductions and the alleged recruitment practices.
They want the authorities to establish whether any labour or employment laws have been violated and take appropriate action if wrongdoing is established.
The workers said their main demands were timely payment of salaries, proper remittance of statutory deductions and respect for their rights in the workplace.
They also want the concerns addressed without exposing employees who have spoken out.
The complaint raises questions about working conditions at the lodge and the handling of employees’ earnings and statutory contributions.
The workers are now seeking intervention from the relevant government agencies to establish the facts and address their concerns.
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