Employees at Citymax Restaurant in Nairobi have reported mistreatment, inadequate wages, and an unsuitable work environment

 

The dissatisfied employees at Citymax Restaurant in Nairobi City, which officially opened on May 2, 2025, with a grand opening attended by Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, are seeking assistance from labor officials.

According to a former employee who requested anonymity, the morale among staff is at an all-time low due to the poor working conditions imposed by the hotel owner, Abdiwahab Ibrahim.

The former employee disclosed that the hotel operates unprofessionally, with employees receiving low salaries that are often paid as late as the 15th of the month. Staff are required to work extended hours without days off and without overtime compensation.

It is regrettable that Ibrahim has ensured that senior positions at the hotel are occupied by his relatives, who receive significantly higher salaries than the other employees.

His relatives enjoy preferential treatment, including meals, while the rest of the staff are forced to work on empty stomachs. The employees, who are afraid to speak out about their mistreatment due to fears of retaliation and job loss, continue to endure their suffering in silence.

The work environment is far from conducive. The supervisors and upper management, all related to Ibrahim, manage the staff with an iron fist, employing intimidation, coercion, and threats of termination.

The hotel, which caters exclusively to Somali guests, is situated on Banda Street, opposite the I&M Bank building and near the Nairobi Jamia Mosque.

This four-story establishment provides a halal dining experience, private rooms, conference facilities, and a prayer area. Non-Muslims and non-Somalis are not permitted entry into the hotel.