Faras Kenya, once considered a promising player in the taxi-hailing industry, now finds itself at the center of growing controversy and public mistrust.
Employees, both current and former, are coming forward with allegations of severe payment delays, unjust pay cuts, and a dismissive leadership style under the tenure of its Chief Commercial Officer (COO), Osman Ahmed.
These revelations paint a picture of a company grappling with systemic dysfunction and a toxic work culture.
Reports indicate that payment issues have escalated dramatically.
Direct marketers, drivers, and other employees frequently face erratic or incomplete payments.
According to a former employee, Osman Ahmed has taken on an unchecked role as the company’s chief decision-maker, deciding arbitrarily who gets paid and how much.
This practice reportedly disregards existing contractual agreements and has left many employees in financial distress.
When challenged, Ahmed allegedly responds with dismissive remarks about the company’s financial strength to handle legal challenges, further demoralizing the workforce.
The leadership style at Faras Kenya has been described as authoritarian and condescending.
Ahmed’s arrival in October 2023 marked a turning point for the company, with employees claiming his arrogance and disdain for subordinates have fostered an oppressive environment.
Workers who joined Faras Kenya with hopes of career growth now find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation and frustration, leading to high turnover and waning morale.
One former employee recounted earning as little as Ksh 15 for a week’s work, a glaring example of the company’s flawed pay structure.
Drivers have consistently voiced concerns over exorbitant commission rates and unexplained deductions from their earnings, exacerbating their struggles.
Additionally, allegations of favoritism and tribalism in promotions and decision-making have further alienated the workforce, leaving many feeling undervalued and marginalized.
Faras Kenya’s decline has raised questions about Ahmed’s professional history. Employees have called for an investigation into his time at Wajir County Government, where he reportedly served as Chief County Officer before joining Faras Kenya.
While the details of his tenure there remain unclear, there are suspicions that his leadership style and practices at Faras Kenya may reflect unresolved issues from his past roles.
The once-promising company now risks being reduced to a cautionary tale of poor management and unchecked authority.
Employees are urging the public and relevant authorities to intervene, as their pleas for fairness and transparency have so far gone unanswered.
The revelations surrounding Faras Kenya not only highlight the plight of its workforce but also serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting ethical leadership and corporate responsibility.
