Aturukan Hotel Under Fire for Alleged Labour Law Violations in Kitale
Aturukan Hotel in Kitale is facing mounting criticism after several employees came forward accusing the management of persistently delaying salary payments and operating without issuing formal employment contracts.
The allegations, raised anonymously by one of the hotel’s staff members through a message to Court News Kenya, highlight what appears to be a breach of Kenya’s Employment Act, 2007, which mandates employers to pay wages on time and provide written contracts to all employees.
Two Months Without Pay and No Contracts
According to the whistleblower, staff at the prominent Kitale hotel have gone without pay for the past two months. The employee described the situation as “dire,” adding that the lack of salaries has left many struggling to meet rent, school fees, and other basic needs.
What makes matters worse, the employee claims, is that no formal contracts exist between the hotel and its workers. This lack of documentation denies employees basic legal protections — including recourse for delayed wages or wrongful dismissal.
“We work every day without contracts or any official documents. We don’t even know when or if we’ll be paid,” said one employee who spoke to Court News Kenya.
Possible Breach of the Employment Act
Legal experts say the allegations, if proven, could amount to multiple violations under Kenya’s Employment Act, 2007, which obligates employers to:
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Provide written employment contracts (Section 9)
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Pay wages promptly (Section 18)
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Remit statutory deductions such as NHIF and NSSF (Section 19)
Failure to comply may attract penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or civil orders compelling the employer to make payment.
A Kitale-based labor lawyer told Court News Kenya that “any employer who withholds salaries or fails to issue contracts risks prosecution. The law is clear — verbal employment relationships are illegal in the formal sector.”
Financial and Psychological Impact on Staff
The unpaid salaries have created deep anxiety among staff members. Many are reportedly taking loans to survive, while others have defaulted on rent and essential bills. Some employees have resigned in frustration, saying they could no longer work without financial certainty.
“Working without pay for months is not just unfair — it’s exploitation,” said another worker. “We have families depending on us.”
Calls for Investigation by Labour Office
Labour rights advocates are now calling on the Trans Nzoia County Labour Office and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to launch an investigation into Aturukan Hotel’s employment practices.
The Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA) has also urged affected employees to file formal complaints to ensure accountability and enforcement of their rights.
“The hospitality industry cannot be allowed to operate outside the law,” a union representative told Court News Kenya. “Every worker deserves to be paid and protected under the Constitution.”
Hotel Management Yet to Respond
Attempts to reach Aturukan Hotel’s management for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication. Sources within the hotel allege that staff have previously raised the issue internally, but their concerns were ignored.
The controversy now raises questions about compliance and oversight in Kenya’s private hospitality sector, where informal employment practices remain widespread despite existing legal frameworks.
What the Law Says
Section 18(1) of the Employment Act states that wages should be paid at the end of each payment period — typically monthly — and not later than five days thereafter.
Section 9(1) further mandates that all contracts exceeding three months must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Employers found in violation may face legal sanctions under the Labour Institutions Act and could be required to compensate affected employees.
Conclusion
As employees continue to endure uncertainty and unpaid wages, the Aturukan Hotel case underscores the growing need for enforcement of labor laws and greater accountability within Kenya’s service industry.
The Ministry of Labour, Trans Nzoia County authorities, and relevant enforcement agencies now face pressure to intervene and ensure justice for the affected workers.