Kisii County Labour officer Kephas Odhiambo has decried rampant exploitation of residents seeking jobs by brokers.
Odhiambo said the brokers were demanding bribes to seek jobs for residents in supermarkets and hardwares in the region, and were negotiating salaries on their behalf.
According to reports, some supermarkets pay their workers between Sh6,000 and Sh7,000 and worked all days of the week.
“ The employees are underpaid and cannot afford to pay taxes, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and National Hospital Insurance Fund ( NHIF),” he was quoted by People Daily.
He said Labour officers would visit supermarkets, hardwares and security firms to assess terms and conditions of employees, and push for their improved welfare.
“Some security firms are not registered. They pay their workers at night and intimidate them. We will enhance efforts to address that,” he said.
The officer said 90 per cent of labour in the county was outsourced, adding that some workers, especially part time lecturers at universities, had worked for up to three years without salaries.
They workers said they are not allowed to join trade unions and those who dared to do so are sacked without notice. They added that those who fall sick for two to three days are fired them without notice.