DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi.
In the heart of Nairobi’s Industrial Area, Biopharma Limited,one of Kenya’s major pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors has come under scrutiny following serious allegations from current and former employees over unsafe working conditions, low pay, and intimidation of staff.
According to multiple whistleblower accounts, workers at the facility routinely handle chemically hazardous materials without being provided with essential protective gear such as gloves, safety boots, or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employees claim this has left them vulnerable to workplace accidents, chemical burns, skin ailments, and potential long term health complications in an environment that requires strict safety controls.
The safety concerns are compounded by claims of poor remuneration and stagnant wages.
Workers allege that despite the company generating millions of shillings in monthly revenue, salaries have remained unchanged for years, failing to keep pace with Kenya’s rising cost of living.
Several employees report being compelled to work extra shifts, cover for colleagues on leave, and report to work on public holidays without overtime pay or additional allowances.
“These extra duties come with no compensation at all,” said one former employee who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
“It increases the workload while effectively reducing our real income.”
Perhaps most troubling are allegations of retaliation against workers who attempt to raise concerns.
Employees claim that those who question pay structures, safety standards, or working conditions face intimidation or are dismissed unlawfully,often at the point of contract renewal.
“There is a lot of fear,” another worker said. “Those who inquire about salary adjustments or better conditions often find their contracts terminated when renewal time comes.”
The claims paint a picture of a highly profitable enterprise allegedly prioritizing profit margins over employee welfare,an issue labor advocates say remains prevalent in parts of Kenya’s industrial sector.
Labor rights groups are now being urged to take up the matter, with calls for relevant authorities to investigate whether the company is complying with the Employment Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and minimum wage regulations.
As the allegations continue to circulate, workers insist that their demands are basic: fair pay, safe working conditions, and the right to speak out without fear of losing their livelihoods.
Efforts to get a comment from the company was unsuccessful.
[DNK-International@February 3,2026]
