Over 200 employees at a private horticultural farm in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, staged a peaceful protest on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, citing unfair dismissals, inadequate protective gear, and workplace harassment.
The demonstration disrupted farm operations as workers raised grievances including excessive production targets, unpaid overtime, and verbal abuse by supervisors. They also alleged replacement of local staff with workers from other regions and demanded the removal of the farm’s general manager.
Workers Voice Concerns
Menyamale Kengau, a workers’ representative, explained that all other avenues to resolve issues had failed, forcing them to take industrial action. He criticized dismissals without proper hearings and unimplemented agreements with local authorities.
Former security guard Silokoro, one of ten dismissed officers, accused the company of sidelining locals in favour of recruits from Western Kenya and Busia. He appealed for government intervention, stressing many employees rely on the jobs to support their families.
Pack House Employees Highlight Heavy Workload
Workers in the pack house described unrealistic targets and long hours without overtime compensation. Quality Control officer Winnie said they face intense pressure but receive equal pay to field workers, often leaving work late without extra pay.
She urged management to prioritise hiring from the local community, emphasizing their deep roots in the area.
Local Leaders Call for Dialogue
Area MCA Salim Edung praised the workers for their peaceful protest and assured them their concerns would be addressed through dialogue. He condemned unfair dismissals and promised that affected workers would be reinstated.
The protesting workers have called on the Ministry of Labour and other government agencies to intervene and help resolve the dispute. Attempts to reach the farm management for comment were unsuccessful by publication time.
