Slavery In Kenya: Kulan Restaurant Accused Of Discrimination, Bad Employment Practices

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Hey Cyprian Nyakundi,

I wish that you may highlight this toxic work environment.

Imagine a world of 2 sets of human beings.

This is the story of Kulan Cuisine a Somali restaurant in Nairobi.

I have been a customer of Kulan Cuisine for a short while now. This started when a friend got a position and prompted me to dine there.

The Somali owner restaurant employs Kenyans who are subtly discriminated. Small things in the work place are key for a good working environment.

My friend narrated of how this silent discrimination happens.

My friend who left employment there recently stated the below in 21 points:

  • Somali employees are treated differently from the other Kenyans.
  • Somali employees are bosses in their own right, they are in charge of every dept and a Somali must be present for anything to take place.
  • This is not so wrong if merit and experience were the criteria but not so.
  • A certified chef in the kitchen has to take instructions from Somali employees most who have no qualifications in culinary and some very little post-primary education. In short, a certified cook takes instructions from any Somali be it the cashier, store keeper or the kitchen supervisor all who are not chefs by any standard.
  • This is very unprofessional and a huge demotivator to serious professional.
  • Imagine having to follow an order from some whose rank is granted by ethnicity.
  • The waiters are in the same dilemma and so are the rest of Kenyan staff.
  • There is no disciplinary action against Somali misconduct.
  • They are frequently late and maybe abusive and aggressive towards other staff.
  • They have been cases of Kenyans facing abusive language and no action is taken.
  • Kenyans often resign due to frustration and abusive language.
  • The staff are employed on contract and thus dismissal is in the spot. The fight is your wits against the word of a Somali. As such the Kenyans fear the Somalis as they want to keep there Job.
  • There has been a case of a Somali staff hurling a knife as he didn’t like how he was served by fellow staff. This is how abbrasive things can be at Kulan.
  • The employer has no concern for staff welfare and consistently delays salary causing fights with landlords and caretakers. Pleas are not heeded
  • The owners also have a white friend by the name Nick who is known to be abusive to staff and smokes in the premises, causing discomfort to the staff
  • The Kenyan staff are provided for a meal of ugali, sukuma for lunch and tea and bread.
  • The Somali can, however, enjoy any meal from the menu at any time for free, this is another case of subtle discrimination. The staff can’t even have water from a glass, just tap water is allowed using plastic cups.
  • There NHIF and NSSF often go unpaid despite it being deducted and essential for healthcare. Lea is most likely not remitted (not sure).
  • This is just a snippet of what my friend who recently left narrated to me. More could be happening and I hope authorities investigate.
  • If you visit you will clearly see what I talk about, demotivated people in a toxic environment.
  • Please reach out to current and former staff and they will collaborate this.

    • Slavery In Kenya: Click to READ MORE

    We reach out to former and current staff. Send your complaints anonymously to hello@cnyakundi.com or WhatsApp 0710280973.

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