I recently read a ‘copied’ WhatsApp Post on one of The thriving Pkulel University Communities on WhatsApp of a story of six affluent individuals. The revelation is about the struggles faced by businesses in Kenya, particularly concerning the issue of dishonesty among employees.
The post brought to light a pervasive challenge that cuts across industries, hindering the growth of businesses and discouraging potential investors.
The post pointed out a primary concern voiced by one businessman was the difficulty in finding honest workers for his manufacturing and trading enterprises. He emphasized that the biggest impediment to his manufacturing business wasn’t the typical issues like power or infrastructure but the alarming lack of honesty among the hired workforce. Instances of inflated invoices, inaccurate production records, and collusion among staff from various departments were cited as recurring problems.
In a surprising turn, the businessman revealed that he found a solution in hiring Indian expatriate management. Despite initial reservations about the associated costs, the benefits of reduced losses due to staff theft and increased efficiency outweighed the expenses. The businessman now delegates sensitive financial positions to the Indian management, while Africans are assigned to non-sensitive roles.
The same challenge echoed in the businessman’s trading business, where large sums of money were handled by staff engaged in open-market transactions. Security measures, including escorts and advanced surveillance systems, were implemented to prevent staff from absconding with the day’s earnings. A perfect example is the recent ‘94M Well Fargo and Quickmart Heist‘. The main suspects still missing with over 85M of the Quickmart Loot.
The businessman even admitted that his primary criterion for employee selection shifted from competency to honesty, recognizing the pivotal role trustworthiness plays in the success of a business.
The businessman’s experiences shed light on a broader issue affecting the business landscape in Kenya. The pervasive lack of trust among employers and employees hampers the potential for job creation and economic development. The fear of theft and dishonesty prevents many entrepreneurs, both local and foreign, from establishing businesses that could generate employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the businessman expressed understanding for indigenous Kenyan companies that choose to hire Indian professionals, citing their reliability and honesty as key factors. This acknowledgment indicates a systemic problem that extends beyond individual businesses, impacting the overall economic growth and job market in the region.
The post concludes by underscoring the need for a cultural shift towards honesty, suggesting that teaching integrity should be incorporated into the school curriculum. The call to “stand up and be counted among the few honest” resonates as a plea for change, emphasizing the importance of integrity not only in personal conduct but as a fundamental pillar for the prosperity of businesses and the nation as a whole.
