Onyonka urges Senate committee to investigate Shivling Supermarkets

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has ordered for a Senate committee audit on labour practices by Shivling Supermarkets.

The Senator said the superstore is under fire following reports of alleged mistreatment and harassment of staff.

Citing outlets in Kisii, Mr Onyonka said there are reports that “the superstore is exploiting the human capital, contravening both the local and international labour laws”.

He said if the practices are not quickly addressed, will lead to the exploitation of employees and injure their welfare.

His statement was read at Senate Committee sitting by Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri on his behalf.

Mr Onyonka asked the Senate's Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, to among other things, audit the wages and overtime compensations, probe claims of racial discrimination, and general welfare of staff.

Additionally, he sought that it inquires into reported non-remittance of statutory deductions for staff to relevant statutory bodies like National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

He further wants a probe into alleged long non-remunerated hours of work by staff and also deduction of salary for variances.

The committee, prodded Mr Onyonka, should also inquire on the role played by Labour officials in Kisii to enforce fair Labour standards in the chain.

Shivling Supermarket management officials said they are working on the report and would avail it to the Senate Committee by November 15, 2024.

"We have received the report and we are doing a comprehensive report. It is an elaborate report taking account that the claims touch all our supermarkets across the country," said a Mr Edwin.

Separately, Mr Onyonka expressed his exasperation with nepotism in employment in various counties.

He said most governors continue to hire relatives and friends despite prevalent wage bill concerns.

He pointed out the contradiction of these employment practices, emphasizing that favouritism undermines efforts to control the wage bill.