Nakumatt Eldoret closes as workers demand six months' pay

Employees of Nakumatt Supermarket in Eldoret ponder for next move after they  found the doors of the building premises closed in the morning without notice. Some employees who talked to the Standard on Sunday on condition of anonymity said the owner of the building had not been paid rent amounting to million of shillings forcing him to close it.0411.2017. PHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD

More than 200 employees of Nakumatt Supermarket in Eldoret could lose their jobs after the retailer closed down its outlet yesterday. The move caught most employees and suppliers unaware when they reported to work only to be turned away by security guards.

On the doors a notice was placed by Eldo Centre, the building's landlord saying the tenant is in rent arrears.

"Please be advised that the landlord in accordance with the lease dated February 2, 2010 has exercised its right of forfeit to re-enter and recover its premises from Nakumatt Holdings because the tenant continues to be in rent arrears and has applied for bankruptcy protection,” read part of the notice.

The owners of the building said the tenant will only be permitted to re-enter the premise for purposes of removing their goods. It is estimated Nakumatt has not paid more than Sh21 million of rent arrears. The employees said they are yet to be paid their salaries for six months.

"We are suffering, each time we ask for our dues, top management tell us to be patient. It has been six months without pay,” said one employee.

John Shitanda, a casual worker who has been ferrying goods for clients shopping at the supermarket said the closure will affect his business. "It is unfortunate that I can no longer fend for my family because of the abrupt closure," he noted.

Joseph Kipruto, a resident challenged the Government to assist the ailing supermarket so that it can continue running its business.