QuickMart Staff Cry Foul Over Off Days, Forced Shifts After Transport Strike

Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged working conditions at Circle Mall branch in Kilimani after employees reportedly raised complaints about how management handled attendance, off days and staff scheduling during the recent nationwide transport strike.

According to information shared with, workers at the branch claim employees who were unable to report to duty because of the transport disruption were later informed that the missed day would be considered part of their allocated off days.

The workers argue that the decision unfairly punished employees for circumstances beyond their control, especially at a time when thousands of Kenyans across the country were stranded due to the paralysis in the transport sector.

The nationwide disruption, which affected operations in multiple industries, had forced many workers to remain at home after public transport services were severely affected before the strike was eventually suspended following discussions between government officials and transport stakeholders.

However, according to complaints now emerging from the Kilimani outlet, the situation allegedly worsened after staff resumed work.

Employees claim that some workers who managed to report back the following day were allegedly forced into extended and consecutive shifts in an attempt to recover lost operational hours from the strike period.

Some staff members further alleged that despite working the extra hours, management had allegedly indicated that several employees may still not receive their scheduled off days this week.

The complaints have now triggered wider concerns online over the welfare of retail workers and how some companies respond during national disruptions that affect both employers and employees.

According to accounts reportedly shared with Cyprian Nyakundi, workers also accused certain supervisors at the branch of creating what they described as a toxic and stressful working environment.

The employees alleged that some managers frequently intimidate staff through threats of disciplinary action, warnings about HR escalation and excessive pressure linked to performance expectations.

Some workers claimed the pressure has reached levels where employees now experience anxiety and stress before even reporting to work.

Others alleged that the situation has severely affected morale among workers, particularly because the branch is still relatively new and reportedly struggling to meet expected sales targets.

According to the claims shared online, the pressure to improve sales performance has allegedly resulted in staff being pushed into longer working hours, straight shifts and increased workloads due to staffing shortages at the outlet.

Employees further alleged that because the branch has a limited number of workers, some staff are now being forced to handle responsibilities meant for multiple employees at once.

The allegations have since sparked reactions online, with some Kenyans calling on labour authorities and QuickMart management to look into the concerns raised by employees and ensure workers are treated fairly during extraordinary situations such as nationwide strikes and transport disruptions.

As of now, QuickMart management has not publicly issued a statement responding to the allegations circulating online.