By Kisasa News Investigative Desk
Weeks after a disturbing video circulated showing a white male customer physically confronting a female cashier at Chicken Inn Kilimani, Kisasa News has learned that the employee has since been quietly dismissed by the outlet’s parent company, Simbisa Brands Ltd.
Insiders claim that the dismissal was executed discreetly through internal channels, raising serious concerns about the company’s commitment to staff welfare and fair labor practices.
“Hi Nyakundi. Hide my ID. Nafanya kazi Simbisa… Guess what? The Kilimani cashier was fired.”
This whistleblower message, submitted anonymously to our newsroom, confirms growing discontent within Simbisa’s Kenyan operations. According to internal sources, shortly after the incident went viral online, the cashier was instructed not to report to work pending a disciplinary hearing. The hearing, described as one-sided, allegedly concluded with her abrupt removal from payroll on grounds of “misconduct.”
Disciplinary Without Defense?
Multiple sources claim that the disciplinary process offered no independent representation or right of appeal. Instead, internal protocols reportedly positioned the branch manager—a key figure in the outlet’s day-to-day operations—as the primary witness against the staff member.
“In a disciplinary hearing, your manager becomes a witness against you. It’s like a rule—no manager is allowed to support a staff member,” the insider alleged.
This structure, they argue, compromises the integrity of employee hearings, especially in customer-related disputes where power dynamics are already skewed.
Culture of Silence and Customer Appeasement
Kisasa News has previously reported on allegations of poor working conditions and opaque disciplinary measures within Simbisa’s other brands, including Pizza Inn. Following past exposés, employees said internal memos were circulated—moves they interpreted as attempts to silence whistleblowers.
The Kilimani case has reignited those concerns. Several current and former staff have told us that employee protection takes a back seat to brand image and customer satisfaction—regardless of the circumstances.
“Behind these counters and fake smiles are workers crying deep down,” one source said. “If you’re accused, especially by a customer, you’re guilty until proven innocent—except there’s no way to prove your innocence.”
Looming Staffing Crisis?
Further investigations reveal that several Simbisa outlets across Nairobi are currently understaffed. The trend includes both junior and managerial roles. Sources believe this is part of a wider corporate strategy aimed at cost-cutting and replacing existing staff with new recruits.
“Shops are running below capacity. If you slip up, you’re out. They’re preparing for a fresh batch,” said another source, who requested anonymity.
Call for Accountability
As Simbisa Brands continues its regional expansion, the backlash over its internal culture may soon overshadow its business milestones. Labor experts warn that mishandling such employee matters not only undermines workplace morale but also exposes the company to legal and reputational risks.
Efforts to reach Simbisa Brands for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication. This story remains under development, and Kisasa News will continue to pursue accountability and transparency from all parties involved.
